Discover the critical CVE-2021-21798 affecting Nitro Pro PDF. Learn about the vulnerability, its impact, affected systems, exploitation, mitigation steps, and preventive measures.
A detailed analysis of the CVE-2021-21798 vulnerability affecting Nitro Pro PDF software.
Understanding CVE-2021-21798
This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2021-21798 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-21798?
CVE-2021-21798 is a critical vulnerability found in the JavaScript implementation of Nitro Pro PDF. It arises due to an exploitable return of stack variable address, allowing malicious attackers to execute arbitrary code by convincing users to open a specially crafted document.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21798
With a high base score of 8.8, this vulnerability has a significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. An attacker can exploit this flaw to execute malicious code under the context of the application, potentially leading to severe consequences.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21798
Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-21798 to understand the vulnerability better.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Nitro Pro PDF arises from a stack variable going out of scope, resulting in the application dereferencing a stale pointer. This flaw can enable threat actors to achieve code execution through carefully crafted documents.
Affected Systems and Versions
Nitro Pro versions 13.31.0.605 and 13.33.2.645 are affected by CVE-2021-21798, making users of these versions vulnerable to exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability requires an attacker to create a malicious document and persuade a user to open it to trigger the flaw, ultimately leading to unauthorized code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21798 and prevent potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
To protect against this vulnerability, users should refrain from opening untrusted documents or links. It is crucial to exercise caution while interacting with unknown or suspicious content.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure document handling practices, keeping software up to date, and employing robust security solutions can enhance long-term security and mitigate similar threats in the future.
Patching and Updates
Users of Nitro Pro PDF are advised to apply security patches and updates provided by the vendor promptly. Regularly checking for software updates is essential to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.