CVE-2021-21059 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-21059, a memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions that could allow arbitrary code execution. Understand the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
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 when parsing a specially crafted PDF file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the user context by tricking the victim into opening a malicious file.
Understanding CVE-2021-21059
This CVE refers to a buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC that could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution.
What is CVE-2021-21059?
CVE-2021-21059 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC that allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21059
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, as the victim needs to open a specially crafted malicious PDF file. Successful exploitation could result in arbitrary code execution with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21059
This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is categorized as an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) leading to a buffer overflow when processing a malicious PDF file.
Affected Systems and Versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.013.20074, 2020.001.30018, and 2017.011.30188 (and earlier) are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker needs to entice a user into opening a specifically crafted PDF file triggering the buffer overflow.
Mitigation and Prevention
Here are the steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-21059.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update their Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version provided by Adobe. Be cautious while opening PDF files from untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
Maintain a proactive approach to security by regularly updating software, implementing security best practices, and staying informed about security vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Adobe has released patches addressing this vulnerability. Ensure that all systems running affected versions of Acrobat Reader DC are promptly updated to the latest secure version.