Acrobat Reader DC Heap-based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability Could Lead To Arbitrary Code Execution
CVE-2021-21017

8.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Adobe
Status
Acrobat Reader
Vendor
CVE Published:
11 February 2021

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 86%🦅 CISA Reported

What is CVE-2021-21017?

Acrobat Reader DC versions versions 2020.013.20074 (and earlier), 2020.001.30018 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30188 (and earlier) are affected by a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.

CISA has reported CVE-2021-21017

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed CVE-2021-21017 as being exploited but is not known by the CISA to be used in ransomware campaigns. This is subject to change at pace

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Affected Version(s)

Acrobat Reader <= 2020.013.20074

Acrobat Reader <= 2020.001.30018

Acrobat Reader <= 2017.011.30188

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2021-21017
Created by ZeusBox

CVE-2021-21017
Created by tzwlhack

cve-2021-21017-poc
Created by dexteon

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-...
x_refsource_MISC

EPSS Score

86% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

CVSS V3.1

Score:
8.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
Required
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 🦅

    CISA Reported

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.