CVE-2021-40730 is a low-severity vulnerability affecting Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 21.007.20095 and earlier, as well as other specified versions. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Exploitation requires user interaction, as the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of JPG2000 images, making it a critical issue for users and organizations relying on this software.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 3.3, indicating a low severity level. Despite the low score, organizations should be aware that this vulnerability can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, which poses a risk to organizational confidentiality. The need for user interaction adds a layer of complexity, but it does not mitigate the potential impact of exploitation. Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability in their security processes.
Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations using affected versions should consider immediate remediation. As the vulnerability is classified under CWE-416, which pertains to use-after-free issues, it is essential to monitor for any unusual behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. Understanding the implications of this vulnerability is critical for maintaining the security of sensitive information.
Organizations should be aware that this vulnerability is not currently listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that there is no known active exploitation at this time. However, with the evolving threat landscape, vigilance is necessary. Regular updates and patches should be part of an organization's routine maintenance to mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities such as CVE-2021-40730.
Vulnerability Details
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20095 (and earlier), 21.007.20096 (and earlier), 20.004.30015 (and earlier), and 17.011.30202 (and earlier) is affected by a use-after-free that allows a remote attacker to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of JPG2000 images.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as low with a CVSS score of 3.3. The CVSS vector string is CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N, indicating that the attack vector is local, and user interaction is required.
The affected products include Adobe Acrobat DC, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, and their respective versions as identified in the CVE description. The publication date of this vulnerability is October 15, 2021, and it has been classified under CWE-416.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-40730 stems from a use-after-free vulnerability, which occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed. In this case, the vulnerability can be exploited through JPG2000 image parsing. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious JPG2000 images that, when opened in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, can trigger the flaw.
The attack vector is local, meaning that the attacker must convince a user to open a malicious file or visit a malicious webpage. The attack complexity is rated as low, and no privileges are required for exploitation. User interaction is required, which adds an additional layer of difficulty for an attacker. The impact on confidentiality is low, as sensitive information may be disclosed, but integrity and availability are not impacted.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential exposure of sensitive information through exploitation of this vulnerability. Although classified as low severity, the implications of sensitive data disclosure can impact organizational reputation and trust. The vulnerability's dependency on user interaction means that the likelihood of successful exploitation may be lower, but the risk remains relevant, especially in environments where sensitive documents are frequently handled.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as part of their security strategy. Even though it may not currently be actively exploited, the evolving nature of threats necessitates a proactive approach to vulnerability management. By maintaining updated systems and monitoring for unusual behavior, organizations can mitigate risks associated with CVE-2021-40730.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include Adobe Acrobat DC version 21.007.20095 and earlier, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20095 and earlier, as well as earlier versions of both Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Adobe has provided updates for affected versions which should be applied to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. In addition, organizations should ensure that their users are educated about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and the importance of not clicking on unknown links.
For further details on the patch updates, organizations can refer to the Adobe security advisory. It is critical to monitor systems for any unusual behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, such as access to JPG2000 files from untrusted sources. Additionally, organizations should look for behavioral anomalies involving Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, especially when it comes to file handling and network requests related to document access.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its illustration of the ongoing risks associated with user-interaction-based attacks. It serves as a reminder for security teams to enhance user awareness training and promote an organizational culture of security mindfulness.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining updated software and implementing strict controls around the use of applications that handle sensitive information. Organizations are encouraged to develop comprehensive security strategies that encompass regular patching, user training, and monitoring for unusual activity.
For additional insights on vulnerability management and patching strategies, organizations can explore resources on vulnerability management programs and best practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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