CVE-2021-21086 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-21086 impacting Adobe Acrobat Reader versions with an Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability. Understand the risks, impacts, and mitigation strategies.
Adobe Reader CoolType Arbitrary Stack Manipulation
Understanding CVE-2021-21086
This CVE affects Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier due to an Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability in the CoolType library. It allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user.
What is CVE-2021-21086?
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions are susceptible to an Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability, allowing unauthenticated attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21086
The vulnerability poses a high risk with a CVSS base score of 7.8, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code without any privileged access. User interaction is required for exploitation, making it crucial to address promptly.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21086
This section discusses the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the CoolType library of affected Adobe Acrobat Reader versions, enabling attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 2020.013.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30018 and earlier, and 2017.011.30188 and earlier are impacted by this CVE.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploitation of CVE-2021-21086 involves an unauthenticated attacker leveraging the vulnerability, requiring user interaction through opening a malicious file.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2021-21086 with the following strategies.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update their Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
Maintain regular security updates for all software to address vulnerabilities promptly. Educate users on safe file handling practices to prevent unauthorized code execution.
Patching and Updates
Adobe has released security updates to address CVE-2021-21086. Ensure all systems are patched with the latest updates to safeguard against potential exploits.