CVE-2021-45051 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) affecting Adobe Bridge versions 11.1.2 and earlier, as well as version 12.0 and earlier. The vulnerability arises during the processing of Format event actions within Adobe Bridge, where improper memory management leads to a use-after-free condition. This flaw can result in the disclosure of sensitive memory contents, which may include sensitive application data or potentially other information residing in memory. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could bypass security mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), which is designed to prevent predictable memory corruption attacks. However, exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens a maliciously crafted file designed to trigger the vulnerability. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and Adobe has not yet released a patch or update to address this issue. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity, reflecting its potential impact and exploitation conditions.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-45051 primarily revolves around the potential leakage of sensitive information through memory disclosure. Since Adobe Bridge is widely used in creative industries, media companies, marketing agencies, and other sectors that handle large volumes of digital assets, the exposure of sensitive memory could lead to unauthorized access to proprietary or confidential data. The bypass of ASLR increases the risk that an attacker could chain this vulnerability with others to achieve more severe outcomes, such as remote code execution. However, the requirement for user interaction limits the scope of exploitation to targeted attacks, such as spear-phishing campaigns involving malicious files. Organizations relying heavily on Adobe Bridge for digital asset management may face increased risk of data leakage or further compromise if attackers develop exploit chains. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time.

European organizations should implement several specific mitigation steps beyond generic advice: 1) Restrict the use of Adobe Bridge to trusted users and environments, minimizing exposure to untrusted files. 2) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 3) Educate users about the risks of opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, emphasizing the importance of verifying file origins before opening. 4) Monitor network and endpoint activity for unusual behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory access patterns or anomalous file openings. 5) Maintain up-to-date backups of critical digital assets managed through Adobe Bridge to mitigate potential data loss. 6) Engage with Adobe’s security advisories and apply patches promptly once available. 7) Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting use-after-free exploitation techniques. 8) Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to reduce the likelihood of malicious files reaching end users.