CVE-2021-21028 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-21028 impacting Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Discover the vulnerability details, impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps to secure your systems.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier are affected by a Use After Free vulnerability. An attacker could exploit this to execute arbitrary code.
Understanding CVE-2021-21028
This CVE identifies a Use After Free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions.
What is CVE-2021-21028?
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier are impacted by a Use After Free vulnerability. This flaw could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user by tricking the victim into opening a malicious file.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21028
The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH. Exploitation of this issue could lead to arbitrary code execution with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. The attack complexity is LOW and requires user interaction.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21028
This section provides more technical details about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC allows an attacker to exploit a Use After Free issue, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier are confirmed to be affected.
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit this vulnerability, an unauthenticated attacker needs to entice a victim into opening a malicious file, enabling them to execute arbitrary code.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2021-21028 is crucial for maintaining security.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability. Avoid opening files from untrusted sources to minimize risks.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly update the software and educate users on safe browsing habits to prevent similar security incidents.
Patching and Updates
Keep the software up-to-date with the latest security patches and ensure that security best practices are followed at all times.