CVE-2021-21088 : Security Advisory and Response

A critical vulnerability has been discovered in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier. The vulnerability, identified as a Use After Free vulnerability, could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user.

Understanding CVE-2021-21088

This section will cover the key details regarding CVE-2021-21088.

What is CVE-2021-21088?

The CVE-2021-21088 vulnerability affects Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier. It is classified as a Use After Free vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the user's context.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21088

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH. An attacker could exploit this flaw to achieve arbitrary code execution, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21088

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-21088.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2021-21088 is a Use After Free vulnerability that exists in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. It arises due to improper memory handling, allowing attackers to execute malicious code in the user's context.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-21088, an unauthenticated attacker would need the victim to open a malicious file, triggering the Use After Free vulnerability and enabling arbitrary code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2021-21088 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest patched version to mitigate the vulnerability. Exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regular security updates, and user awareness training can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address CVE-2021-21088. It is crucial to promptly apply these patches to safeguard systems against potential threats.