Discover the impact of CVE-2023-21610, a high severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader allowing arbitrary code execution. Learn how to mitigate the risk.
This CVE record details a Stack-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader that could lead to arbitrary code execution.
Understanding CVE-2023-21610
This vulnerability affects Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 22.003.20282 and earlier, 22.003.20281 and earlier, as well as 20.005.30418 and earlier. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction by opening a malicious file.
What is CVE-2023-21610?
CVE-2023-21610 is a Stack-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability that impacts Adobe Acrobat Reader. It allows arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user.
The Impact of CVE-2023-21610
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with a CVSS base score of 7.8 out of 10, categorizing it as a high severity issue. It has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-21610
This section dives deeper into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader is a Stack-based Buffer Overflow (CWE-121), allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting this weakness.
Affected Systems and Versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 20.005.30418 and earlier, 22.003.20282 and earlier, as well as 22.003.20281 and earlier are affected by CVE-2023-21610.
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit CVE-2023-21610, an attacker would need to entice a user into opening a specially crafted malicious file, triggering the Stack-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability.
Mitigation and Prevention
In response to CVE-2023-21610, it is crucial to take immediate steps to secure systems and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users and administrators should apply security updates provided by Adobe promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly updating software, practicing security hygiene, and educating users on identifying and handling suspicious files are essential long-term security measures to prevent vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Adobe has released security updates to address CVE-2023-21610. Users should ensure their Adobe Acrobat Reader is updated to the latest version to effectively patch the vulnerability and enhance system security.