CVE-2021-42266 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adobe Animate version 21.0.9 and earlier are susceptible to a memory corruption vulnerability that allows the execution of arbitrary code through a malicious FLA file.

Understanding CVE-2021-42266

What is CVE-2021-42266?

Adobe Animate versions 21.0.9 and earlier are impacted by a memory corruption vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary code execution by handling a malicious FLA file. This could result in an attacker executing code within the user's context, requiring user interaction for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42266

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.8, indicating a high severity issue with a significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack complexity is low, but successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42266

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from insecure handling of FLA files, leading to a memory corruption issue that enables arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Animate version 21.0.9 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Vector: Local
Required User Interaction: Yes
Privileges Required: None
Scope: Unchanged
Attack Complexity: Low

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Animate to a non-vulnerable version.
Exercise caution when opening FLA files from untrusted sources.
Deploy security solutions to detect and block malicious FLA files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and awareness of social engineering tactics.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply security patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.