CVE-2021-44191 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2021-44191 pertains to an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Adobe After Effects, potentially leading to memory disclosure. Users of affected versions may be at risk of exploitation. Here's what you need to know.

Understanding CVE-2021-44191

Adobe After Effects versions 22.0 and earlier, including 18.4.2, are susceptible to an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This flaw could allow an attacker to access sensitive memory data, bypassing certain security measures.

What is CVE-2021-44191?

The CVE-2021-44191 vulnerability in Adobe After Effects enables unauthorized access to memory beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. Exploiting this flaw could lead to the exposure of confidential information, circumventing certain security protocols like ASLR.

The Impact of CVE-2021-44191

The vulnerability poses a low-level threat in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a CVSS base score of 3.3. Successful exploitation requires user interaction, mandating the victim to open a malicious file.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-44191

Adobe After Effects is vulnerable to an out-of-bounds read issue that can have the following technical implications:

Vulnerability Description

Out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Adobe After Effects
Potential disclosure of sensitive memory

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: After Effects
Vendor: Adobe
Vulnerable versions: 22.0 and earlier, and 18.4.2 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability necessitates user interaction
An attacker could exploit the flaw by tricking a user into opening a malicious file

Mitigation and Prevention

For users and organizations impacted by CVE-2021-44191, the following steps are crucial to mitigate risks:

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement security updates provided by Adobe
Exercise caution while opening files from unknown or untrusted sources
Consider implementing file validation mechanisms to detect malicious content

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain up-to-date security software to detect and prevent potential threats
Educate users on safe file handling practices to mitigate risks

Patching and Updates

Adobe released security updates addressing the CVE-2021-44191 vulnerability
Ensure timely installation of patches and updates to safeguard systems