CVE-2021-36072 in Adobe
Summary
by MITRE • 09/01/2021
Adobe Bridge versions 11.1 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability 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 • 09/04/2021
Adobe Bridge version 11.1 and earlier contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users who may encounter maliciously crafted files. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-787 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs when the application processes specially crafted files that trigger memory corruption during file handling operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only user interaction to exploit, meaning that a victim must simply open a malicious file for the attack to succeed. This makes the vulnerability highly exploitable in phishing campaigns or malicious file distribution scenarios where social engineering plays a crucial role in compromising systems. The attack vector leverages the application's failure to properly validate file boundaries during processing, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory space. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution as this vulnerability can be used to escalate privileges, install malware, or establish persistent access to affected systems. According to the attack pattern taxonomy, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, where adversaries leverage application flaws to gain unauthorized access. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a predictable memory corruption scenario that attackers can reliably exploit through carefully crafted input files. Users running Adobe Bridge versions 11.1 or earlier face a substantial risk when handling untrusted files, as the vulnerability can be triggered through normal file operations. The attack surface is broadened by the application's legitimate file processing functionality, which means that even routine operations can become attack vectors when malicious files are present. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia applications that handle complex file formats. Security researchers have identified that the flaw exists in the file parsing logic where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in Adobe Bridge's defensive mechanisms and highlights the necessity of regular security updates and patches. Organizations should immediately implement remediation measures including updating to patched versions of Adobe Bridge, implementing file scanning procedures, and educating users about the dangers of opening untrusted files. The risk assessment indicates that this vulnerability poses a high threat level due to its ease of exploitation and the potential for privilege escalation. The technical analysis reveals that this vulnerability can be effectively mitigated through proper software updates, input sanitization, and application sandboxing techniques. System administrators should prioritize patch management to address this vulnerability as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to system compromise. The security community has classified this issue as requiring immediate attention due to its potential for widespread exploitation and the relatively simple attack requirements. Organizations that rely on Adobe Bridge for creative workflows must ensure that all instances are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes to prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability.