CVE-2021-21104 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Adobe Illustrator version 25.2 and earlier versions are impacted by a memory corruption vulnerability that could allow an attacker to achieve remote code execution. This CVE was published on April 22, 2021 and has a high severity base score of 8.8.

Understanding CVE-2021-21104

This section will cover what CVE-2021-21104 is, its impact, technical details including vulnerability description, affected systems, exploitation mechanisms, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-21104?

Adobe Illustrator version 25.2 (and earlier) is vulnerable to a memory corruption flaw during the parsing of malicious files. A successful exploit could lead to remote code execution by an unauthenticated attacker with user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21104

The vulnerability has a high severity base score of 8.8 and affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability. An attacker can exploit this issue to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21104

This section will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe Illustrator versions <= 25.2 allows for remote code execution by manipulating specially crafted files. It requires the victim to open a malicious file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Illustrator versions 25.2 and older are impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of remote code execution.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an unauthenticated attacker needs the victim to open a specially crafted file designed to trigger the memory corruption flaw.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update Adobe Illustrator to the latest version, avoid opening suspicious files, and exercise caution while interacting with untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating users on safe computing habits can enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates addressing this vulnerability. It is crucial for users to promptly apply these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.