CVE-2021-45059 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) identified in Adobe InDesign version 16.4 and earlier. The flaw arises during the processing of JPEG2000 image files embedded or linked within InDesign documents. Specifically, the vulnerability occurs when InDesign improperly manages memory related to JPEG2000 file handling, leading to a use-after-free condition. This means that after a memory object is freed, the program continues to use the pointer referencing that memory, potentially exposing sensitive data still residing in memory. An attacker can craft a malicious JPEG2000 file that, when opened by a victim using a vulnerable version of InDesign, triggers this vulnerability. Exploitation requires user interaction, as the victim must open or import a malicious file. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to bypass security mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), which normally helps prevent exploitation of memory corruption bugs by randomizing memory addresses. While the vulnerability primarily leads to disclosure of sensitive memory contents, it could potentially be leveraged as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks. No public exploits have been reported in the wild, and Adobe has not provided a patch link in the provided data, indicating that remediation may require updating to a fixed version once available or applying recommended mitigations. The vulnerability was reserved in December 2021 and publicly disclosed in January 2022. The medium severity rating reflects the limited scope of impact and the requirement for user interaction.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-45059 centers on confidentiality risks due to potential disclosure of sensitive memory contents when a malicious JPEG2000 file is opened in Adobe InDesign. Organizations involved in publishing, graphic design, marketing, and media production that rely heavily on Adobe InDesign are at particular risk. Disclosure of sensitive information could include proprietary data, credentials, or other in-memory secrets, which could facilitate further targeted attacks or data breaches. While the vulnerability does not directly enable remote code execution or system compromise without additional chaining, the ability to bypass ASLR weakens overall system defenses. This could be exploited in multi-stage attacks, especially in environments where Adobe InDesign is widely used and trusted. The requirement for user interaction limits the attack vector to social engineering or phishing campaigns delivering malicious InDesign files. European organizations with high volumes of document exchange or collaborative workflows involving InDesign files may face increased exposure. Additionally, sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR must consider the risk of sensitive data leakage and potential compliance implications. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time.

1. Update Adobe InDesign to the latest available version as soon as a patch addressing CVE-2021-45059 is released by Adobe. Regularly monitor Adobe security advisories for updates. 2. Implement strict email and file filtering policies to detect and block suspicious JPEG2000 files or InDesign documents from untrusted sources. 3. Educate users, especially those in creative and publishing roles, about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected InDesign files, emphasizing caution with files containing embedded images. 4. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behaviors related to memory corruption or exploitation attempts within Adobe applications. 5. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the ability of compromised applications to affect other system components. 6. Restrict the use of Adobe InDesign to trusted networks and environments, and consider isolating systems used for processing external files. 7. Conduct regular security audits and memory analysis on systems running InDesign to detect potential exploitation attempts or memory disclosures. 8. Where possible, disable or limit support for JPEG2000 files in workflows if not essential, reducing the attack surface. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on file filtering, user training specific to InDesign workflows, and memory monitoring tailored to this vulnerability.