CVE-2023-21594 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record details a critical vulnerability in Adobe InCopy that could allow for remote code execution on affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2023-21594

Adobe InCopy versions 18.0 and earlier, including version 17.4 and earlier, are susceptible to a Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability. This flaw could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user upon interaction with a malicious file.

What is CVE-2023-21594?

The CVE-2023-21594 vulnerability in Adobe InCopy involves a Heap-based Buffer Overflow, specifically categorized as CWE-122. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program writes more data to a block of memory, or buffer, than it can hold, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21594

The impact of CVE-2023-21594 is significant, with a CVSS base score of 7.8 out of 10, indicating a high severity level. The vulnerability could lead to remote code execution, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21594

This section provides more specific information about the vulnerability, including the affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Adobe InCopy is a Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which allows an attacker to trigger arbitrary code execution by exploiting a flaw in the font parsing functionality of the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe InCopy versions 18.0 and earlier, as well as version 17.4 and earlier, are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability. Users running these versions are at risk of exploitation if they interact with malicious files.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation of CVE-2023-21594 requires user interaction, where a victim unknowingly opens a specially crafted file containing the malicious payload. The attacker leverages the Heap-based Buffer Overflow to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-21594, immediate actions and long-term security practices should be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Adobe InCopy are advised to update their software to the latest patched version provided by Adobe. Additionally, caution should be exercised when opening files from untrusted sources to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining an up-to-date and active cybersecurity posture is crucial for protecting systems from potential vulnerabilities. Regular security audits, employee awareness training, and the implementation of secure coding practices can all contribute to a more resilient security environment.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates addressing the CVE-2023-21594 vulnerability in Adobe InCopy. Users should promptly apply these patches to ensure their systems are protected from exploitation.