CVE-2021-40730 : What You Need to Know

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20095 (and earlier) is affected by a use-after-free vulnerability that allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information. This article provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation of the CVE.

Understanding CVE-2021-40730

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-40730.

What is CVE-2021-40730?

CVE-2021-40730 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20095 and earlier. It enables a remote attacker to expose sensitive data by requiring user interaction on a malicious page or file. The vulnerability is specifically found within the parsing of JPG2000 images.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40730

The impact of CVE-2021-40730 is as follows:

CVSS Score: 3.3 (Low)
Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Local
User Interaction: Required
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: None
Availability Impact: None

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40730

This section provides in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a use-after-free issue in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20095 and earlier, allowing a remote attacker to disclose sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Adobe versions are affected by this vulnerability:

Acrobat Reader version 21.007.20095 and earlier
Acrobat Reader version 21.007.20096 and earlier
Acrobat Reader version 20.004.30015 and earlier
Acrobat Reader version 17.011.30202 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-40730, the target must interact with a malicious page or open a malicious file, triggering the use-after-free vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Explore the measures to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-40730.

Immediate Steps to Take

Follow these immediate steps to enhance security:

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version.
Exercise caution while interacting with unknown files or websites.
Implement security best practices to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establish these long-term security practices:

Regularly update software applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on identifying and avoiding potentially harmful content.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates from Adobe and apply patches promptly to secure systems from potential threats.