CVE-2021-28637 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC PDFLibTool Out-of-Bounds Read Remote Code Execution Vulnerability is a critical security issue affecting Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.005.20054 and earlier. An unauthenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary read/write system information in the context of the current user.

Understanding CVE-2021-28637

This vulnerability, with a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High Severity), allows attackers to execute remote code by tricking a victim into opening a malicious file, leading to potential system compromise.

What is CVE-2021-28637?

Acrobat Reader versions 2021.005.20054, 2020.004.30005, and 2017.011.30197 are prone to an out-of-bounds read flaw. Successful exploitation requires user interaction, making it important to exercise caution while handling unknown files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28637

With a CVSS base score of 7.8, this vulnerability poses a high risk, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers can execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28637

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read issue in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, allowing attackers to access unauthorized system information and potentially execute malicious code with the victim's privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.005.20054, 2020.004.30005, and 2017.011.30197 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are urged to apply security patches promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-28637 requires a victim to open a specially crafted file, triggering the out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Attackers can then leverage this to execute remote code and compromise the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Take immediate steps to secure your system and prevent potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources. Adobe recommends applying security updates to affected versions as soon as possible to mitigate the risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to immediate steps, users should follow security best practices such as keeping software updated and employing threat detection mechanisms to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates addressing CVE-2021-28637. Users are advised to update their software to the latest version to protect against potential exploits.