CVE-2021-21021 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A critical vulnerability, CVE-2021-21021, has been discovered in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. It could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code, posing a significant security risk for users.

Understanding CVE-2021-21021

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability, its impact, technical specifics, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-21021?

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier are affected by a Use After Free vulnerability. Exploiting this flaw could result in arbitrary code execution by an attacker.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21021

The vulnerability holds a high severity rating with a CVSS base score of 8.8. It could lead to confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, requiring user interaction to exploit the issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21021

Let's explore the technical aspects of this security flaw in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

Vulnerability Description

The Use After Free vulnerability within Acrobat Reader DC versions allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an unauthenticated attacker needs to trick a victim into opening a malicious file, leading to arbitrary code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the mitigation steps and long-term security practices is crucial to safeguard systems from this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest secure version to prevent exploitation. Exercise caution while opening files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain an effective patch management strategy, educate users on phishing attacks, and consider implementing additional security controls.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address the vulnerability. Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly to secure your systems.