#VU50532 Path traversal in Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader - CVE-2021-21037

Vulnerability identifier: #VU50532

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 5.7 [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/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-21037

CWE-ID: CWE-22

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Adobe Acrobat
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
Adobe Reader
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications

Vendor: Adobe

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform directory traversal attacks.

The vulnerability exists due to input validation error when processing directory traversal sequences within PDF files. A remote attacker can create a specially crafted PDF file, trick the victim into opening it and overwrite arbitrary files on the system.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to compromise the affected system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Adobe Acrobat: 15.006.30306 - 15.006.30527, 17.008.30051 - 17.012.20098, 18.009.20044, 18.009.20050, 18.011.20035, 18.011.20038, 18.011.20040, 18.011.20055, 18.011.20058, 18.011.20063, 19.008.20071, 19.008.20080, 19.008.20081, 19.010.20064, 19.010.20069, 19.010.20091, 19.010.20098, 19.010.20100, 19.012.20034, 19.012.20035, 19.012.20036, 19.012.20040, 19.021.20047, 19.021.20056, 19.021.20058, 19.021.20061, 20.001.30002 - 20.013.20074

Adobe Reader: 2015.006.30306 - 2020.013.20074

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External links
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-09.html

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.