CVE-2020-9715
HighExploitedPublic exploitAdobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.009.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30002, 2017.011.30171 and earlier, and 2015.006.30523 and earlier have an use-after-free vulnerability.
Published Aug 19, 2020 · Updated Apr 14, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-9715 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Acrobat Dc (Adobe), Acrobat Reader Dc (Adobe), Adobe Acrobat and Reader.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 13, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 49% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Acrobat Dc 15.006.30523, Acrobat Dc 20.009.20074, Acrobat Reader Dc 15.006.30523.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
49%
Higher than 98.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-9715 brief as a PDF
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Description
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.009.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30002, 2017.011.30171 and earlier, and 2015.006.30523 and earlier have an use-after-free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Apr 13, 2026 | Apr 27, 2026 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 13, 2026 | Apr 27, 2026 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Apr 13, 2026 | Apr 27, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Apr 13, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
7 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobat DcAdobe | 20.001.30002 | 15.006.30523 |
| Acrobat Reader DcAdobe | 20.001.30002 | 15.006.30523 |
| Adobe Acrobat and Reader | >= 2020.009.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30002, 2017.011.30171 and earlier, and 2015.006.30523 and earlier versions | n/a |
Patched Releases
Acrobat Dc
15.006.30523, 20.009.20074
Acrobat Reader Dc
15.006.30523, 20.009.20074
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 19, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Apr 13, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 13, 2026
Added to CIRCL KEV
Apr 13, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
Apr 13, 2026
Last updated
Apr 14, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttps://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb20-48.html
- advisoryhttps://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-20-991/
- patchhttps://blog.exodusintel.com/2021/04/20/analysis-of-a-use-after-free-vulnerability-in-adobe-acrobat-reader-dc/
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- otherhttps://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-9715
FAQ
Common Questions.
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.009.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30002, 2017.011.30171 and earlier, and 2015.006.30523 and earlier have an use-after-free vulnerability.
Affected: Acrobat Dc (Adobe) versions 20.001.30002; Acrobat Reader Dc (Adobe) versions 20.001.30002; Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions >= 2020.009.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30002, 2017.011.30171 and earlier, and 2015.006.30523 and earlier versions. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 13, 2026.
Yes. It was added on Apr 13, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 27, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Acrobat Dc 15.006.30523, Acrobat Dc 20.009.20074, Acrobat Reader Dc 15.006.30523.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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