CVE-2021-44705: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC JP2 File Parsing Use-After-Free Information Disclosure Vulnerability

Published Jan 14, 2022
·
Updated

Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20099 (and earlier), 20.004.30017 (and earlier) and 17.011.30204 (and earlier) are affected by a use-after-free vulnerability in the processing of Format event actions 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.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of JP2 images. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.

Affected Software

9 affected components
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20099
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20099
Microsoft Windows
Adobe Acrobat>=17.011.30059<=17.011.30204
Adobe Acrobat>=20.001.30005<=20.004.30017
Adobe Acrobat Reader>=17.011.30059<=17.011.30204
Adobe Acrobat Reader>=20.001.30005<=20.004.30017
Apple macOS

Event History

Jan 14, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:05 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:05 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Feb 27, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·03:28 AM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-44705?

CVE-2021-44705 is categorized as a critical severity vulnerability due to its potential for arbitrary code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-44705?

To fix CVE-2021-44705, update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to version 21.007.20102 or later, and ensure all installed versions of Adobe Acrobat are also up to date.

3

Which versions of Adobe Acrobat are affected by CVE-2021-44705?

CVE-2021-44705 affects Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20099 and earlier, Adobe Acrobat version 20.004.30017 and earlier, and version 17.011.30204 and earlier.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2021-44705?

CVE-2021-44705 is a use-after-free vulnerability that occurs during the processing of format event actions.

5

Can CVE-2021-44705 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-2021-44705 can potentially be exploited remotely if a victim opens a specially crafted PDF file.

Contact

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