CVE-2021-40773 : Security Advisory and Response

Adobe Prelude version 10.1 (and earlier) is affected by a null pointer dereference vulnerability, potentially leading to an application denial-of-service. This CVE was made public on October 26, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2021-40773

Adobe Prelude faced a null pointer dereference vulnerability that could result in a denial-of-service attack.

What is CVE-2021-40773?

CVE-2021-40773 is a null pointer dereference vulnerability in Adobe Prelude versions 10.1 and earlier. A specially crafted file could trigger this issue, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to disrupt the application, leading to a denial-of-service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40773

The impact of this CVE is moderate with a CVSS base score of 5.5. Specific details are as follows:

Attack Vector: Local
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required
Availability Impact: High

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40773

This section explores the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a null pointer dereference issue in Adobe Prelude, triggered by parsing a malicious file. Successful exploitation can lead to a denial-of-service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected system and software versions:

Product: Prelude
Vendor: Adobe
Affected Versions: 10.1 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-40773:

An unauthenticated attacker crafts a malicious file.
The victim opens the crafted file in Adobe Prelude, triggering the null pointer dereference vulnerability.
The attacker can disrupt the application, causing a denial-of-service.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Prelude to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Educate users on identifying and avoiding suspicious files.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has likely released patches to address CVE-2021-40773. Ensure your system is updated with the latest security fixes.