CVE-2021-28595: Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) in Adobe Dimension
Adobe Dimension version 3.4 (and earlier) is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element element. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve 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.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2021-28595 is a vulnerability classified as an Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) found in Adobe Dimension versions 3.4 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles the search path for executable files or libraries, allowing an attacker to influence which files are loaded during the execution process. Specifically, an unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious file that, when opened by a victim using Adobe Dimension, causes arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The attack requires user interaction, meaning the victim must actively open the malicious file for the exploit to succeed. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication, increasing the risk if a malicious file is distributed via email, file sharing, or other means. However, there are no known exploits in the wild reported to date, and Adobe has not published an official patch or update addressing this issue as of the provided information. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system by potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, which could lead to data theft, system manipulation, or further compromise. The uncontrolled search path element issue typically involves the software loading malicious DLLs or executables from untrusted directories, which can be leveraged to escalate privileges or persist within the system. Given that Adobe Dimension is a 3D design and rendering tool primarily used by creative professionals, the attack surface is somewhat limited to users within creative industries or organizations utilizing this software for design workflows.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the adoption of Adobe Dimension within their creative and design departments. Organizations involved in media, advertising, architecture, and product design may be at higher risk due to their reliance on Adobe Dimension. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal intellectual property, manipulate design files, or establish footholds within corporate networks. This could result in loss of sensitive design data, disruption of creative workflows, and potential lateral movement within the network. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns targeting employees who use Adobe Dimension could be a vector for exploitation. The medium severity rating reflects the limited scope of affected users and the need for user interaction, but the risk remains significant for organizations with high-value design assets. Additionally, if exploited, the vulnerability could be used as an initial access vector in broader cyber-espionage or ransomware campaigns targeting European creative industries.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific actions: 1) Restrict the use of Adobe Dimension to trusted users and ensure that only files from verified sources are opened within the application. 2) Educate users, especially those in creative roles, about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files and implement targeted phishing awareness training. 3) Employ application whitelisting and restrict execution of unauthorized DLLs or executables in directories commonly used by Adobe Dimension to prevent malicious code loading. 4) Monitor file system and process activity related to Adobe Dimension for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block suspicious activities associated with arbitrary code execution. 6) Regularly review and update software inventory to identify and track Adobe Dimension installations and versions. 7) Since no official patch is available, consider isolating or sandboxing Adobe Dimension environments to limit potential damage from exploitation. 8) Implement network segmentation to reduce lateral movement if a compromise occurs. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling file sources, user education, and monitoring specific to the Adobe Dimension context.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden
CVE-2021-28595: Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) in Adobe Dimension
Description
Adobe Dimension version 3.4 (and earlier) is affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element element. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve 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.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-28595 is a vulnerability classified as an Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) found in Adobe Dimension versions 3.4 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles the search path for executable files or libraries, allowing an attacker to influence which files are loaded during the execution process. Specifically, an unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious file that, when opened by a victim using Adobe Dimension, causes arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The attack requires user interaction, meaning the victim must actively open the malicious file for the exploit to succeed. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication, increasing the risk if a malicious file is distributed via email, file sharing, or other means. However, there are no known exploits in the wild reported to date, and Adobe has not published an official patch or update addressing this issue as of the provided information. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system by potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, which could lead to data theft, system manipulation, or further compromise. The uncontrolled search path element issue typically involves the software loading malicious DLLs or executables from untrusted directories, which can be leveraged to escalate privileges or persist within the system. Given that Adobe Dimension is a 3D design and rendering tool primarily used by creative professionals, the attack surface is somewhat limited to users within creative industries or organizations utilizing this software for design workflows.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the adoption of Adobe Dimension within their creative and design departments. Organizations involved in media, advertising, architecture, and product design may be at higher risk due to their reliance on Adobe Dimension. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal intellectual property, manipulate design files, or establish footholds within corporate networks. This could result in loss of sensitive design data, disruption of creative workflows, and potential lateral movement within the network. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns targeting employees who use Adobe Dimension could be a vector for exploitation. The medium severity rating reflects the limited scope of affected users and the need for user interaction, but the risk remains significant for organizations with high-value design assets. Additionally, if exploited, the vulnerability could be used as an initial access vector in broader cyber-espionage or ransomware campaigns targeting European creative industries.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific actions: 1) Restrict the use of Adobe Dimension to trusted users and ensure that only files from verified sources are opened within the application. 2) Educate users, especially those in creative roles, about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files and implement targeted phishing awareness training. 3) Employ application whitelisting and restrict execution of unauthorized DLLs or executables in directories commonly used by Adobe Dimension to prevent malicious code loading. 4) Monitor file system and process activity related to Adobe Dimension for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block suspicious activities associated with arbitrary code execution. 6) Regularly review and update software inventory to identify and track Adobe Dimension installations and versions. 7) Since no official patch is available, consider isolating or sandboxing Adobe Dimension environments to limit potential damage from exploitation. 8) Implement network segmentation to reduce lateral movement if a compromise occurs. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling file sources, user education, and monitoring specific to the Adobe Dimension context.
Affected Countries
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- adobe
- Date Reserved
- 2021-03-16T00:00:00.000Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
Threat ID: 682d9841c4522896dcbf18fe
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:09:21 AM
Last enriched: 6/24/2025, 12:10:23 AM
Last updated: 8/17/2025, 6:47:21 PM
Views: 10
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