CVE-2021-40728
HighAdobe 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…
Published Oct 18, 2021 · Updated Apr 23, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-40728 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Acrobat (Adobe), Acrobat Dc (Adobe), Acrobat Reader (Adobe) and 1 more product.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 55% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Acrobat <=20.004.30015, Acrobat Dc <=21.007.20095, Acrobat Reader <=20.004.30015.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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)
55%
Higher than 99.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
None known
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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.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| AcrobatAdobe | See advisory | 20.004.30015 |
| Acrobat DcAdobe | See advisory | 21.007.20095 |
| Acrobat ReaderAdobe | >= unspecified | 20.004.30015 |
| Acrobat Reader DcAdobe | See advisory | 21.007.20095 |
Patched Releases
Acrobat
<=20.004.30015
Acrobat Dc
<=21.007.20095
Acrobat Reader
<=20.004.30015
Acrobat Reader Dc
<=21.007.20095
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 18, 2021
Last updated
Apr 23, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttps://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-104.html
- advisoryhttps://helpx.adobe.com/security/security-bulletin.html
- advisoryhttps://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/123269/security/adobe-critical-flaws.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=adobe-critical-flaws
- advisoryhttps://us-cert.cisa.gov/
- advisoryhttps://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/current-activity/2021/10/12/adobe-releases-security-updates-multiple-products
FAQ
Common Questions.
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 contex…
Affected: Acrobat (Adobe); Acrobat Dc (Adobe); Acrobat Reader (Adobe) versions >= unspecified, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
Fixed versions are available, including Acrobat <=20.004.30015, Acrobat Dc <=21.007.20095, Acrobat Reader <=20.004.30015.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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