CVE-2021-21041

Name: CVE-2021-21041
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-02-11T20:15:15.513+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 2.96%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-21041 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Acrobat Reader DC versions versions 2020.013.20074 (and earlier), 2020.001.30018 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30188 (and earlier) are affected by a use-after-free vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. EPSS estimates a 2.96% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Acrobat Reader DC versions versions 2020.013.20074 (and earlier), 2020.001.30018 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30188 (and earlier) are affected by a use-after-free vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.96%

85.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Adobe	Acrobat	>= 17.0, <= 17.011.30188
Adobe	Acrobat	>= 20.0, <= 20.001.30018
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	<= 20.013.20074
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	>= 17.0, <= 17.011.30188
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	>= 20.0, <= 20.001.300183
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	<= 20.013.20074

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-09.htmlVendor Advisory
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-09.htmlVendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Feb 11, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-21041?

How severe is CVE-2021-21041?

CVE-2021-21041 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.96% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-21041?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-21041?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST