CVE-2021-21058 : Security Advisory and Response

Adobe's Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier are affected by a memory corruption vulnerability. This could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, requiring user interaction to open a malicious file.

Understanding CVE-2021-21058

This CVE involves a memory corruption vulnerability in Acrobat Reader DC versions that could enable an attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2021-21058?

CVE-2021-21058 is a vulnerability in Adobe's Acrobat Reader DC that affects versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier. It involves memory corruption when processing a specially crafted PDF file.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21058

The vulnerability could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to run arbitrary code within the current user's context, requiring the victim to interact by opening a malicious file.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21058

This section covers the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves memory corruption in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions, leading to the potential execution of arbitrary code by an attacker.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected versions include Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires user interaction, as the victim must open a specifically crafted PDF file to trigger the arbitrary code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against CVE-2021-21058, immediate steps can be taken along with implementing long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version and be cautious when opening PDF files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software, employ security solutions, and educate users on safe browsing habits to enhance overall cybersecurity.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches released by Adobe promptly to address vulnerabilities and enhance system security.