CVE-2023-21612 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record details a security vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader that could lead to privilege escalation due to the creation of temporary files in a directory with incorrect permissions.

Understanding CVE-2023-21612

This vulnerability affects Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 22.003.20282 (and earlier), 22.003.20281 (and earlier), and 20.005.30418 (and earlier). It poses a risk of privilege escalation for the current user when a malicious file is opened, requiring user interaction for exploitation.

What is CVE-2023-21612?

The CVE-2023-21612 vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader involves the creation of temporary files in a directory with incorrect permissions, potentially leading to privilege escalation within the user's context.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21612

The impact of CVE-2023-21612 is rated as high, with confidentiality, integrity, and availability all being significantly affected. The base severity score for this vulnerability is 7.8, categorizing it as a high-severity issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21612

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2023-21612 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and its exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the creation of temporary files in a directory with incorrect permissions, enabling attackers to escalate their privileges within the current user's environment.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 22.003.20282 (and earlier), 22.003.20281 (and earlier), and 20.005.30418 (and earlier) are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability, potentially impacting users of these versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-21612, an attacker would need to trick a user into opening a malicious file, which would then trigger the creation of temporary files with incorrect permissions, leading to privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of the CVE-2023-21612 vulnerability, it is crucial for users and organizations to take immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and promptly apply patches and updates to mitigate the risks associated with this security issue.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to exercise caution while opening files, especially those from untrusted sources, to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing relevant security measures can help reduce the risk of privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security protocols, conducting regular security audits, and maintaining awareness of potential threats can enhance the overall resilience of systems against vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21612.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has likely released patches or updates to address CVE-2023-21612. Users are strongly encouraged to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems and prevent any potential exploitation of the vulnerability.