Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat - CVE-2021-21017
Published: February 9, 2021 / Updated: June 24, 2021
Vulnerability identifier: #VU50530
CSH Severity: Critical
CVSS v4: 8.4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]
CVE-ID: CVE-2021-21017
CWE-ID: CWE-122
Exploitation vector: Remote access
Exploit availability:
The vulnerability is being exploited in the wild
Vulnerability details
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error when processing PDF files. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted PDf file, trick the victim into opening it, trigger a heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.
Note, the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.
Affected software
Adobe Reader
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat
How to mitigate CVE-2021-21017
Install updates from vendor's website.
Adobe Reader - addressed in versions 17.011.30190, 20.001.30020, 21.001.20135
Adobe Acrobat - addressed in versions 17.011.30190, 20.001.30020, 21.001.20135
Adobe Acrobat - addressed in versions 17.011.30190, 20.001.30020, 21.001.20135