CVE-2021-40728

Name: CVE-2021-40728
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-10-15T15:15:08.817+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 53.53%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-40728 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20095 (and earlier), 21.007.20096 (and earlier), 20.004.30015 (and earlier), and 17.011.30202 (and earlier) is affected by a use-after-free vulnerability in the processing of the GetURL function on a global object window that could result in 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.. EPSS estimates a 53.53% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 21.007.20095 (and earlier), 21.007.20096 (and earlier), 20.004.30015 (and earlier), and 17.011.30202 (and earlier) is affected by a use-after-free vulnerability in the processing of the GetURL function on a global object window that could result in 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

53.53%

98.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.007.20095
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.007.20095
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.007.20096
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 21.007.20096
Adobe	Acrobat	>= 20.001.30005, <= 20.004.30015
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	>= 20.001.30005, <= 20.004.30015
Adobe	Acrobat	>= 17.011.30158, <= 17.011.30202
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	>= 17.011.30158, <= 17.011.30202

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-104.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-104.htmlRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Oct 15, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-40728?

How severe is CVE-2021-40728?

CVE-2021-40728 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 53.53% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40728?

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-2021-40728?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST