CVE-2021-31486 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2021-31486 affects OpenText Brava! Desktop version 16.6.3.84. An attacker can exploit a vulnerability in the parsing of DWF files, allowing remote code execution.

Understanding CVE-2021-31486

This CVE impacts the OpenText Brava! Desktop application, leading to high severity remote code execution.

What is CVE-2021-31486?

CVE-2021-31486 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running OpenText Brava! Desktop 16.6.3.84 by exploiting a flaw in parsing DWF files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31486

The vulnerability's base score of 7.8 classifies it as high severity with confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts being high as well.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31486

The vulnerability allows an attacker to write past the end of an allocated buffer, potentially leading to code execution in the context of the current process.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, enabling malicious code execution via crafted DWF files.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenText Brava! Desktop 16.6.3.84 is specifically affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

User interaction is required for exploitation, where a victim needs to visit a malicious page or open a contaminated file.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-31486, immediate action and long-term security measures are necessary.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure users do not access suspicious links or open files from untrusted sources to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the OpenText Brava! Desktop application and maintain strong security practices to mitigate similar threats.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches recommended by OpenText to address the vulnerability and enhance system defense.