CVE-2021-40720 : What You Need to Know

Ops CLI version 2.0.4 and earlier by Adobe is affected by a Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability, enabling arbitrary code execution. This article provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-40720

Ops CLI version 2.0.4 and earlier by Adobe is impacted by a severe vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine.

What is CVE-2021-40720?

This vulnerability in Ops CLI version 2.0.4 and earlier enables threat actors to execute arbitrary code on the victim machine by triggering the checkout_repo function with manipulated files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40720

The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 indicates a critical vulnerability with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack complexity is low, requiring no privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40720

Ops CLI's vulnerability involves:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows for Deserialization of Untrusted Data, leading to arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Ops-CLI
Versions: <= 2.0.4, None (unspecified/custom versions)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: None

Mitigation and Prevention

Adobe recommends the following actions:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Ops CLI to version 2.0.5 or higher.
Avoid running Ops CLI on untrusted files or scripts.
Monitor for any suspicious activity on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users on secure coding practices.
Implement file integrity monitoring on critical systems.
Regularly update and patch software for the latest security fixes.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released a fix for this vulnerability in Ops CLI version 2.0.5. Users should promptly apply this update to secure their systems.