CVE-2021-35981

Name: CVE-2021-35981
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-08-20T19:15:09.777+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 3.80%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-35981 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 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 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 3.80% 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 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

3.80%

88.6th 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.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-51.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-35981?

How severe is CVE-2021-35981?

CVE-2021-35981 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.80% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-35981?

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-2021-35981?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST