Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
Adobe Bridge 11.1.1 and earlier can be compromised if a user opens a malicious SGI image file. Successful exploitation could run attacker-controlled code with that user's permissions, so the business risk is mainly endpoint compromise through file-based phishing or unsafe file handling.
Executive priority
Treat this as a high-priority desktop application remediation issue, especially for users who handle external image files. It is not described as remotely exploitable without user action, but successful compromise could affect the user's data and workstation.
Technical view
CVE-2021-42723 is a CWE-125 out-of-bounds read in Adobe Bridge SGI file parsing. The CVSS 3.1 score is 7.8, with local attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, and required user interaction. Impact is rated high for confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to machines running Adobe Bridge 11.1.1 or earlier. Risk is higher where users routinely receive or open image files from untrusted or external sources.
Exploitation context
The provided sources do not show CISA KEV listing or active exploitation. Exploitation requires user interaction: a victim must open a malicious SGI file in the affected application.
Researcher notes
Evidence supports a crafted-file memory safety issue in SGI parsing with potential code execution as the current user. The source bundle does not include exploit details, proof of active exploitation, or specific fixed version text beyond the Adobe advisory reference.
Mitigation direction
- Inventory Adobe Bridge installations and identify versions 11.1.1 or earlier.
- Check Adobe APSB21-94 for vendor update or remediation guidance.
- Prioritize updating or removing affected Adobe Bridge installations.
- Warn users not to open unexpected SGI files from untrusted sources.
- Apply least-privilege controls for users who handle external media files.
Validation and detection
- Confirm endpoint inventory reports Adobe Bridge versions accurately.
- Compare installed versions against the affected range and Adobe advisory.
- Verify remediated systems no longer run Adobe Bridge 11.1.1 or earlier.
- Review security telemetry for suspicious SGI attachments or downloads.
- Document remaining exceptions and compensating controls.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CWE-125: Exact CWE lookup
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Open ATT&CK lookupExecution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2021-42723 mapping review
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Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- High
- CVSS
- 7.8 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
7.8HighVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/bridge/apsb21-94.htmlCVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Out-of-bounds Read
Out-of-bounds Read represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.