CVE-2023-21608

Name: CVE-2023-21608
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-01-18T19:15:11.877+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 61.48%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2023-21608 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 22.003.20282 (and earlier), 22.003.20281 (and earlier) and 20.005.30418 (and earlier) are affected by a Use After Free vulnerability 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.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 61.48% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 22.003.20282 (and earlier), 22.003.20281 (and earlier) and 20.005.30418 (and earlier) are affected by a Use After Free vulnerability 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

61.48%

99.1th 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 Oct 31, 2023.

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 22.003.20282
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 22.003.20282
Adobe	Acrobat Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 22.003.20281
Adobe	Acrobat Reader Dc	>= 15.008.20082, <= 22.003.20281
Adobe	Acrobat	>= 20.001.30005, <= 20.005.30418
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	>= 20.001.30005, <= 20.005.30418

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb23-01.htmlVendor Advisory
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb23-01.htmlVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-21608Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Jan 18, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-21608?

How severe is CVE-2023-21608?

CVE-2023-21608 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 61.48% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21608?

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-2023-21608?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST