CVE-2021-28550

Name: CVE-2021-28550
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-09-02T17:15:08.5+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 52.01%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-28550 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Acrobat Reader DC versions versions 2021.001.20150 (and earlier), 2020.001.30020 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30194 (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. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 52.01% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Acrobat Reader DC versions versions 2021.001.20150 (and earlier), 2020.001.30020 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30194 (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

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

52.01%

98.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Nov 17, 2021.

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.001.20150
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.001.20150
Adobe	Acrobat	>= 17.011.30059, <= 17.011.30194
Adobe	Acrobat	>= 20.001.30005, <= 20.001.30020
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	>= 17.011.30059, <= 17.011.30194
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	>= 20.001.30005, <= 20.001.30020
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.001.20149
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.001.20149

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-29.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-29.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-28550Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Sep 2, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-28550?

How severe is CVE-2021-28550?

CVE-2021-28550 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 52.01% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2021-28550?

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-2021-28550?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST