CVE-2021-21045 : What You Need to Know

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier are affected by an improper access control vulnerability that could lead to privilege escalation for unauthenticated attackers.

Understanding CVE-2021-21045

This CVE details an improper access control vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions, allowing attackers to elevate privileges.

What is CVE-2021-21045?

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188 are susceptible to an improper access control flaw.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21045

An unauthorized user may exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the current user's context.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21045

The vulnerability carries a CVSSv3.1 base score of 8.2, indicating a high severity with significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to escalate their privileges on the affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188 are confirmed to be impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with low privileges can exploit this vulnerability locally, requiring user interaction.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21045, immediate steps must be taken alongside long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply the latest security updates provided by Adobe to address this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforcing the principle of least privilege and implementing secure coding practices can help in preventing similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version is crucial for staying protected against known vulnerabilities.