CVE-2021-36070 in Media Encoder
Summary
by MITRE • 09/01/2021
Adobe Media Encoder version 15.1 (and earlier) is affected by an improper memory access vulnerability when parsing a crafted .SVG file. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code 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 • 09/04/2021
Adobe Media Encoder version 15.1 and earlier contains a critical improper memory access vulnerability that arises during the parsing of specially crafted .SVG files. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 improper access to memory, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the application processes malformed vector graphics. The flaw represents a classic memory corruption vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary code execution when a user opens a maliciously crafted SVG file. The vulnerability exists in the application's SVG parsing engine where insufficient input validation and memory boundary checks fail to properly handle malformed file structures, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns during file processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it requires only user interaction to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The attack vector is straightforward yet effective since users commonly open media files from email attachments, download sources, or web content, providing multiple entry points for exploitation. The vulnerability does not require administrative privileges or specialized network access, making it accessible to threat actors with basic technical capabilities.
This vulnerability represents a serious concern for organizations using Adobe Media Encoder as part of their creative workflows, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content from external sources. The memory access issue stems from inadequate bounds checking within the SVG parser implementation, where the application fails to properly validate the structure and size of elements within the SVG file before attempting to access memory locations. The exploitation process typically involves crafting an SVG file with malformed data structures that cause the parser to read memory beyond allocated boundaries, potentially leading to information disclosure, application crash, or full system compromise depending on the execution environment and memory layout.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Adobe Media Encoder version 15.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing file type restrictions and content validation measures for SVG files, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. The vulnerability aligns with the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125 and represents a critical risk in the context of zero-day exploitation, as attackers could potentially develop working exploits before the patch is widely deployed. Regular security assessments and user awareness training regarding the dangers of opening untrusted media files remain essential defensive measures against this type of attack vector.