CVE-2021-21068 in Creative Cloud Desktop Application
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2021
Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application version 5.3 (and earlier) is affected by a file handling vulnerability that could allow an attacker to cause arbitrary file overwriting. Exploitation of this issue requires physical access and user interaction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-21068 affects Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application version 5.3 and earlier, representing a critical file handling flaw that could enable attackers to perform arbitrary file overwriting operations. This vulnerability resides within the application's improper handling of file operations during the software update and installation processes. The flaw manifests when the application processes certain file paths or names without adequate validation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the file system through crafted inputs. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited to overwrite critical system files or application components, potentially leading to complete system compromise or denial of service conditions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The flaw operates by exploiting insufficient input sanitization mechanisms within the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application's file handling routines. Attackers can leverage this weakness by placing specially crafted files in strategic locations within the application's expected file paths, enabling them to overwrite legitimate files with malicious content. The vulnerability specifically requires physical access to the target system and user interaction to be successfully exploited, making it a privilege escalation vector that depends on social engineering or direct system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Adobe Creative Cloud applications are widely deployed. The requirement for physical access and user interaction limits its automated exploitation potential but does not eliminate the threat entirely, as attackers can still leverage social engineering techniques to gain access to target systems. The arbitrary file overwriting capability could be used to install backdoors, modify system configurations, or disable security controls, potentially leading to persistent access or complete system takeover. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application face potential data loss, system instability, and increased risk of further compromise through the installed malicious files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-21068 should prioritize immediate application of Adobe's security patches and updates to versions 5.4 and later, which contain fixes for the file handling vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict access controls and user permission management to limit physical access to systems running Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their Adobe Creative Cloud installations and monitor for any unauthorized file modifications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software inventory and implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar security flaws. Security teams should consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious file operations and unauthorized system modifications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070 for indicator removal, indicating the potential for post-exploitation activities that could further compromise affected systems.