CVE-2021-21089 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions prior to 2020.013.20074 are affected by an out-of-bounds Read vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated attacker to locally escalate privileges by exploiting a user interaction. Here's what you need to know about CVE-2021-21089.

Understanding CVE-2021-21089

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC URI Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Read vulnerability

What is CVE-2021-21089?

Acrobat Reader DC versions prior to 2020.013.20074 are impacted by an out-of-bounds Read vulnerability. This could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to escalate privileges locally. The exploitation requires user interaction where the victim opens a malicious file.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21089

The vulnerability could potentially lead to privilege escalation, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This can pose serious security risks to affected systems. Users must be cautious while opening files from untrusted sources.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21089

Details regarding the vulnerability

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the URI parsing function of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions prior to 2020.013.20074 allows an attacker to read out-of-bounds memory. This can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions prior to 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188 are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to craft a malicious file and entice the victim into opening it. The attacker could then locally escalate privileges and potentially execute arbitrary code on the victim's system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2021-21089

Immediate Steps to Take

Adobe recommends updating to the latest version of Acrobat Reader DC to mitigate this vulnerability. Users should exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources to prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched promptly. Educate users on safe browsing habits and security best practices to minimize the risk of successful attacks.

Patching and Updates

Keep Adobe Acrobat Reader DC up to date with the latest patches and security fixes. Regularly check for updates and install them promptly to safeguard systems from potential security threats.