CVE-2021-28631 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.001.20155 and earlier, 2020.001.30025 and earlier, and 2017.011.30196 and earlier have been identified with a critical Use After Free vulnerability. This vulnerability could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code within the current user's context upon user interaction with a malicious file.

Understanding CVE-2021-28631

This section will delve into the details of the Adobe Acrobat Reader vulnerability CVE-2021-28631.

What is CVE-2021-28631?

CVE-2021-28631 is a Use After Free vulnerability present in multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Attackers can potentially execute malicious code by exploiting this vulnerability, which necessitates user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28631

The impact of CVE-2021-28631 is severe, as it allows unauthenticated attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution within the affected user's context. This could lead to a compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28631

This section will provide more technical insights into the CVE-2021-28631 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an AcroForm Field Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution flaw in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions. By leveraging this flaw, attackers can execute arbitrary code within the current user's context.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.001.20155, 2020.001.30025, and 2017.011.30196, and potentially earlier versions, are susceptible to this Use After Free vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-28631, an attacker would need to craft a malicious file and entice a victim into opening it. Successful exploitation depends on user interaction to trigger the vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will explore the mitigation strategies and preventive measures against CVE-2021-28631.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version and avoid opening files from unknown or untrusted sources. Additionally, exercising caution when interacting with files from external or suspicious origins is crucial.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining regular software updates, implementing robust endpoint protection solutions, and educating users on best cybersecurity practices can fortify the overall security posture against such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates addressing CVE-2021-28631. It is imperative for users to promptly apply these patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance the security of their systems.