CVE-2021-36073 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) found in Adobe Bridge version 11.1 and earlier. The vulnerability arises when Adobe Bridge parses a specially crafted .SGI (Silicon Graphics Image) file. During the parsing process, improper handling of input data leads to a buffer overflow on the heap, which can corrupt memory and potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a malicious .SGI file, which could be delivered via email, file sharing, or other means. There are no known exploits in the wild reported to date, and Adobe has not provided a patch link in the provided data, indicating that remediation may require manual mitigation or updates from Adobe. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 11.1, though exact affected subversions are unspecified. Because the attack vector involves user interaction and file opening, the attack surface is limited to users who handle .SGI files with Adobe Bridge. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling arbitrary code execution, which could lead to data theft, system compromise, or denial of service. However, exploitation complexity is moderate due to the need for user action and crafted files. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity by the source, but no CVSS score is provided.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the use of Adobe Bridge in their workflows, particularly in creative, media, and design sectors where .SGI files might be handled. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive intellectual property, disruption of creative workflows, or lateral movement within corporate networks. Given that Adobe Bridge is often used on workstations rather than servers, the impact is more focused on endpoint compromise rather than widespread network disruption. However, compromised endpoints could serve as footholds for further attacks. The requirement for user interaction reduces the likelihood of mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted spear-phishing or social engineering attacks. European organizations with large creative departments, advertising agencies, media companies, or governmental cultural institutions are at higher risk. Additionally, the lack of known exploits suggests a window of opportunity for attackers to develop weaponized payloads, increasing the urgency for mitigation.

1. Immediate mitigation should include educating users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected .SGI files, especially from untrusted sources. 2. Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and quarantine suspicious .SGI files. 3. Restrict the use of Adobe Bridge to trusted users and consider disabling or uninstalling it on systems where it is not essential. 4. Employ application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of code resulting from exploitation. 5. Monitor endpoint behavior for unusual activities indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or memory anomalies. 6. Regularly check Adobe’s official channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and contain potential exploitation. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit the spread from compromised endpoints. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on user education, file handling policies, and proactive monitoring tailored to the specific attack vector.