Acrobat Reader: Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere
CVE-2023-21611 is a high-severity exposure of resource to wrong sphere vulnerability in Acrobat Reader from Adobe, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Acrobat Reader versions: 20.005.30418 and earlier; 22.003.20282 and earlier; 22.003.20281 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.41% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Acrobat Reader you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on helpx.adobe.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe | Acrobat Reader | 20.005.30418 and earlier; 22.003.20282 and earlier; 22.003.20281 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | Acrobat Dc | 15.008.20082 through 22.003.20282; 15.008.20082 through 22.003.20281 | Not stated |
| Adobe | Acrobat Reader Dc | 15.008.20082 through 22.003.20282; 15.008.20082 through 22.003.20281 | Not stated |
| Adobe | Acrobat | 20.001.30005 through 20.005.30418 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (adobe.com).
Official description
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 22.003.20282 (and earlier), 22.003.20281 (and earlier) and 20.005.30418 (and earlier) are affected by a Creation of Temporary File in Directory with Incorrect Permissions vulnerability that could result in privilege escalation in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere
The product exposes a resource to the wrong control sphere, providing unintended actors with inappropriate access to the resource.
More Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere vulnerabilities (CWE-668)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Acrobat Reader
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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