CVE-2021-28644 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-28644 affecting Adobe Acrobat Reader. Explore the impact, technical details, mitigation steps, and security practices to prevent remote code execution.
Adobe Acrobat SpellDictionaryCreate Path Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Understanding CVE-2021-28644
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 2021.005.20054 and earlier are exposed to a path traversal vulnerability, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code in the current user's context.
What is CVE-2021-28644?
CVE-2021-28644 is a path traversal vulnerability affecting Adobe Acrobat Reader versions, enabling attackers to achieve remote code execution by exploiting a malicious file.
The Impact of CVE-2021-28644
The vulnerability poses a significant risk as attackers can execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access and sensitive data exposure.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-28644
The vulnerability is characterized by a high severity CVSS base score of 7.8. Attack complexity is low, but the exploit requires local access and user interaction to be successful.
Vulnerability Description
The path traversal flaw in Adobe Acrobat Reader allows attackers to manipulate file paths to execute arbitrary code within the user's context.
Affected Systems and Versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 2021.005.20054 and earlier are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit the CVE-2021-28644 vulnerability, an attacker would need to entice a victim into opening a specially crafted malicious file for successful code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2021-28644.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version and avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing regular software updates, maintaining strong user awareness regarding phishing attacks, and employing robust email security measures can enhance overall system security.
Patching and Updates
Adobe has released security updates to address CVE-2021-28644. Users must promptly apply these patches to safeguard against potential exploits.