CVE-2008-2992
HighExploitedPublic exploitReader: JavaScript util.printf() function buffer overflow
Published Nov 4, 2008 · Updated Oct 22, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-2992 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Acrobat (Adobe), Acrobat Reader (Adobe), Solaris (Oracle) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 20, 2010 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 98% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including acroread 0:8.1.3-1, acroread 0:8.1.3-1.el4, acroread 0:8.1.3-1.el5.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
98%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2008-2992 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Stack-based buffer overflow in Adobe Acrobat and Reader 8.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PDF file that calls the util.printf JavaScript function with a crafted format string argument, a related issue to CVE-2008-1104.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 20, 2010 | Mar 24, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 3, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
6 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| AcrobatAdobe | See advisory | 8.1.2 |
| Acrobat ReaderAdobe | See advisory | 8.1.2 |
| SolarisOracle | 10 | n/a |
| acroreadredhat | See advisory | 0:8.1.3-1 |
Patched Releases
acroread
0:8.1.3-1, 0:8.1.3-1.el4, 0:8.1.3-1.el5
Acrobat
8.1.2
Acrobat Reader
8.1.2
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 4, 2008
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 20, 2010
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 3, 2022
Last updated
Oct 22, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write
References
- advisory249366
- advisorySUSE-SR:2008:026
- advisoryRHSA-2008:0974
- advisory29773
- advisory32700
FAQ
Common Questions.
Stack-based buffer overflow in Adobe Acrobat and Reader 8.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PDF file that calls the util.printf JavaScript function with a crafted format string argument, a related issue to CVE-2008-1104.
Affected: Acrobat (Adobe); Acrobat Reader (Adobe); Solaris (Oracle) versions 10, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 20, 2010 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 3, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 24, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including acroread 0:8.1.3-1, acroread 0:8.1.3-1.el4, acroread 0:8.1.3-1.el5.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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