CVE-2021-21007 in Illustrator
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2021
Adobe Illustrator version 25.0 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path element that could result in 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2021
Adobe Illustrator version 25.0 and earlier contains a critical uncontrolled search path element vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users of the software. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-427 category of Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which occurs when a program searches for files in directories specified by environment variables or program paths without proper validation. The flaw specifically affects how Illustrator handles file paths during document processing, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through malicious file manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Illustrator's failure to properly sanitize or validate file paths when processing certain document formats. When a user opens a malicious file, the application may inadvertently execute code from an attacker-controlled location within the search path. This occurs because the software does not sufficiently verify the legitimacy of file locations or prevent path traversal attacks. The vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that a victim must actively open the malicious file for exploitation to occur, but once opened, the malicious code can execute with the privileges of the current user context.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-21007 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the user's environment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised application. The risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Illustrator is commonly used for graphic design and document creation, as attackers could potentially gain access to sensitive design assets, intellectual property, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Adobe Illustrator version 25.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing restrictive file access controls and monitoring for unusual file execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling user-supplied data in applications that process complex document formats. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized code, and users should be educated about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular software updates and proper security hygiene in preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities.