CVE-2021-42533 is a double free vulnerability (CWE-415) found in Adobe Bridge version 11.1.1 and earlier. The flaw occurs during the parsing of a specially crafted DCM (DICOM) file, which leads to improper memory management where the same memory is freed twice. This can corrupt the memory heap, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically opening or processing a malicious DCM file in Adobe Bridge. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the publication date, and no official patches have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling code execution, which could lead to unauthorized access or system compromise. However, the attack surface is limited to users who open crafted DCM files, and the exploit requires user action, reducing the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the usage of Adobe Bridge within their environments. Adobe Bridge is commonly used by creative professionals and organizations involved in digital asset management, including media companies, advertising agencies, and design firms. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations. Given that the vulnerability requires user interaction, targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious DCM files. The risk is heightened in sectors with high reliance on Adobe creative tools, such as media, publishing, and marketing industries prevalent in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. Additionally, organizations handling medical imaging data (which uses DICOM files) may be at increased risk if Adobe Bridge is used in their workflows. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the potential for future exploitation remains, especially if threat actors develop reliable attack vectors.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting or monitoring the handling of DCM files within Adobe Bridge, especially from untrusted sources. 2. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious DCM files and implement strict email filtering to block or quarantine such attachments. 3. Employ application whitelisting to limit execution of unauthorized code and use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior related to Adobe Bridge processes. 4. Where possible, isolate Adobe Bridge usage to segmented network zones to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 5. Regularly check Adobe’s official channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and prioritize timely deployment once available. 6. Consider alternative tools for DICOM file handling if Adobe Bridge is not essential, reducing exposure. 7. Implement strict privilege management to ensure users operate with least privilege, minimizing impact of code execution under user context.