CVE-2021-28636

Name: CVE-2021-28636
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-08-20T19:15:09.223+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.3/10EPSS 2.15%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-28636 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.3/10 on the CVSS scale. Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.005.20054 (and earlier), 2020.004.30005 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30197 (and earlier) are affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability. An attacker with access to the victim's C:/ folder could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. EPSS estimates a 2.15% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2021.005.20054 (and earlier), 2020.004.30005 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30197 (and earlier) are affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability. An attacker with access to the victim's C:/ folder 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

7.3/10

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

EPSS Probability

2.15%

79.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.005.20054
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 17.011.30059, <= 17.011.30197
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 20.001.30005, <= 20.004.30005
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.005.20054
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 17.011.30059, <= 17.011.30197
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 20.001.30005, <= 20.004.30005

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-51.htmlPatch, Vendor Advisory
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-51.htmlPatch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 20, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-28636?

How severe is CVE-2021-28636?

CVE-2021-28636 has a CVSS score of 7.3/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.15% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-28636?

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-2021-28636?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST