CVE-2021-44186 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adobe Bridge version 11.1.2 and 12.0 are impacted by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could result in memory disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2021-44186

Adobe Bridge is susceptible to an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could potentially lead to the exposure of sensitive memory contents.

What is CVE-2021-44186?

The vulnerability affects Adobe Bridge version 11.1.2 and earlier, as well as version 12.0 and earlier.
An attacker could exploit this flaw to bypass mitigations like ASLR by tricking a user into opening a malicious SGI file, enabling unauthorized access to memory contents.

The Impact of CVE-2021-44186

CVSS Base Score: 3.3 (Low severity)
Attack Vector: Local
User Interaction Required: Yes
Confidentiality Impact: Low
Integrity Impact: None
Despite requiring user interaction, exploitation could lead to sensitive memory exposure, potentially compromising confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-44186

Adobe Bridge's vulnerability to out-of-bounds read attacks presents specific technical aspects that demonstrate its potential risks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to read sensitive memory beyond the allocated buffer limits, potentially leading to information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions affected include Adobe Bridge 11.1.2 and 12.0, and earlier iterations.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this issue necessitates user interaction, requiring the victim to open a crafted SGI file to trigger memory exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing and mitigating CVE-2021-44186 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Bridge to the latest version as soon as patches are released.
Avoid opening SGI files from untrusted sources to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users on identifying and avoiding potential phishing attempts and malicious files.
Implement a robust security awareness program to enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and apply patches promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.