CVE-2021-21037 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier are vulnerable to a Path Traversal flaw. This could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code in the user's context.

Understanding CVE-2021-21037

This vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC could lead to arbitrary code execution, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-21037?

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is susceptible to a Path Traversal vulnerability that enables unauthorized entities to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the system's integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21037

The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 categorizes this as a high-severity vulnerability. With a low attack complexity and user interaction requirement, exploiting this flaw could have severe consequences, leading to arbitrary code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21037

This section dives deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE, highlighting the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The Path Traversal vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC allows attackers to manipulate file paths, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code within the user's environment.

Affected Systems and Versions

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188 (and earlier) are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, emphasizing the critical need for timely mitigation.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-21037, an attacker can craft a malicious file that, when opened by a victim, triggers the execution of arbitrary code within the application's context, exploiting the path traversal weakness.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems against CVE-2021-21037 requires immediate action to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version promptly to patch the vulnerability and eliminate the risk of arbitrary code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a proactive security strategy, including regular software updates, user awareness training, and file validation mechanisms, can bolster defenses against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address CVE-2021-21037. It is crucial for users to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems and prevent malicious exploitation.