CVE-2023-21591 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to an out-of-bounds read information disclosure vulnerability in Adobe InDesign.

Understanding CVE-2023-21591

This section delves into the details surrounding CVE-2023-21591 and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-21591?

CVE-2023-21591 highlights an out-of-bounds read vulnerability present in Adobe InDesign versions 18.0 and earlier, as well as 17.4 and earlier. This vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to access sensitive memory content by exploiting the flaw. Notably, the exploitation of this vulnerability may enable threat actors to circumvent key mitigations like ASLR. It's important to note that successful exploitation of this issue requires user interaction, where the victim unknowingly opens a malicious file.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21591

The impact of CVE-2023-21591 is deemed as having a medium severity level, with a base score of 5.5 according to the CVSS 3.1 scoring system. The confidentiality impact is rated as high, while the integrity and availability are deemed as none. The attack vector is local, requiring low attack complexity, and no specific privileges are needed for exploitation. User interaction is considered necessary for successful exploitation, and the scope remains unchanged.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21591

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21591.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Adobe InDesign allows an out-of-bounds read, potentially leading to the disclosure of sensitive memory content when exploited by malicious actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted products include Adobe InDesign versions 18.0 and earlier, and 17.4 and earlier. Users of these versions are at risk of falling victim to the disclosed vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to craft a malicious file and entice a victim to open it. This user interaction is crucial for the successful exploitation of the out-of-bounds read flaw.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover how to safeguard your systems against CVE-2023-21591 to mitigate potential risks and enhance overall security.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is essential for users of Adobe InDesign to remain vigilant and avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources. Implementing security best practices and exercising caution when interacting with external content can help reduce the likelihood of falling victim to this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Long-term security measures, such as keeping software up to date, maintaining regular security audits, and educating users on safe computing practices, can contribute significantly to bolstering overall system security and resilience.

Patching and Updates

To address CVE-2023-21591, Adobe is likely to release patches or updates that address the identified vulnerability. It is crucial for users to stay informed about these security updates and promptly apply them to their Adobe InDesign installations to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.