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CVE-2021-43763: Out-of-bounds Read (CWE-125) in Adobe Dimension

Medium
Published: Mon Dec 20 2021 (12/20/2021, 20:08:40 UTC)
Source: CVE
Vendor/Project: Adobe
Product: Dimension

Description

Adobe Dimension versions 3.4.3 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could lead to disclosure of sensitive memory. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to bypass mitigations such as ASLR. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious TIF file.

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 06/23/2025, 19:33:54 UTC

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-43763 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting Adobe Dimension versions 3.4.3 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software processes specially crafted TIF image files, leading to an out-of-bounds read condition. Such a flaw allows an attacker to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially disclosing sensitive information stored in memory. The disclosed memory could include data that aids in bypassing security mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), which is designed to prevent exploitation by randomizing memory addresses. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a malicious TIF file within Adobe Dimension. There is no indication of known exploits in the wild, and no patches have been explicitly linked in the provided data. The vulnerability primarily impacts confidentiality by exposing sensitive memory contents, but does not directly allow code execution or integrity compromise. The attack vector is local or remote depending on how the malicious file is delivered (e.g., email, download). Given the nature of Adobe Dimension as a 3D design and rendering tool used in creative industries, the attack surface is limited to users who handle TIF files within this application. The vulnerability does not require authentication but does require user interaction, which reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation. However, successful exploitation could facilitate further attacks by weakening ASLR protections.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-43763 is primarily on confidentiality and security posture rather than immediate operational disruption. Organizations involved in creative design, advertising, marketing, and media production that utilize Adobe Dimension are at risk of sensitive information disclosure if users open malicious TIF files. This could lead to leakage of intellectual property or internal data residing in memory. Additionally, by bypassing ASLR, attackers could leverage this vulnerability as a stepping stone for more advanced exploits, potentially leading to privilege escalation or remote code execution in chained attacks. While the direct impact on availability and integrity is limited, the vulnerability could undermine trust in digital assets and complicate incident response. The requirement for user interaction and the absence of known exploits reduce the immediate threat level but do not eliminate risk, especially in targeted spear-phishing campaigns. European organizations with stringent data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) must consider the potential for data leakage and the associated compliance risks. The impact is more pronounced in sectors with high reliance on Adobe Dimension, including media agencies and product design firms.

Mitigation Recommendations

1. Update Adobe Dimension to the latest available version beyond 3.4.3 as soon as Adobe releases a patch addressing CVE-2021-43763. 2. Implement strict email and file filtering policies to block or quarantine suspicious TIF files, especially from untrusted sources. 3. Educate users in creative departments about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected image files, emphasizing caution with TIF files. 4. Employ application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized or untrusted files within Adobe Dimension. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Isolate systems running Adobe Dimension from critical network segments to limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs. 7. Regularly audit and monitor logs for unusual activity related to Adobe Dimension usage. 8. Encourage the use of sandbox environments for opening untrusted files to contain potential exploitation. These measures go beyond generic patching advice by focusing on user behavior, network segmentation, and proactive detection tailored to the vulnerability's characteristics.

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Technical Details

Data Version
5.1
Assigner Short Name
adobe
Date Reserved
2021-11-15T00:00:00.000Z
Cisa Enriched
true

Threat ID: 682d9841c4522896dcbf20d0

Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:09:21 AM

Last enriched: 6/23/2025, 7:33:54 PM

Last updated: 8/16/2025, 7:56:59 PM

Views: 9

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