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CVE-2021-21044 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Learn about CVE-2021-21044, a critical Out-of-Bounds Write vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188 allowing arbitrary code execution.

A critical Out-of-Bounds Write vulnerability has been discovered in Acrobat Reader DC that could lead to arbitrary code execution. Find out more about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps below.

Understanding CVE-2021-21044

This CVE refers to a security flaw in Acrobat Reader DC that poses a significant risk to users due to a vulnerability in processing crafted jpeg files. Let's delve deeper into the specifics.

What is CVE-2021-21044?

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier are impacted by this Out-of-Bounds Write vulnerability. An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code in the user's context.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21044

The vulnerability has a high severity rating with a CVSS base score of 7.8, indicating the potential for significant damage. It requires user interaction, where opening a malicious file could trigger arbitrary code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21044

Let's explore the specifics of this vulnerability in terms of description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the mishandling of jpeg files in Acrobat Reader DC, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to write beyond the bounds of allocated memory, leading to code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188 are confirmed to be vulnerable to this exploit, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would entice a user into opening a malicious jpeg file, triggering the out-of-bounds write and potentially gaining control over the victim's system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the essential steps to secure your systems and prevent potential exploitation of CVE-2021-21044.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Acrobat Reader DC to the latest non-vulnerable version and exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures such as regular software updates, user awareness training, and security monitoring to enhance your overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by Adobe for Acrobat Reader DC and ensure timely application to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.

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