CVE-2023-21608
HighExploitedPublic exploitAdobe 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.
Published Oct 13, 2023 · Updated Oct 21, 2025 · Also known as TR-23-0065, TR-23-0585
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-21608 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 exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 10, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 60% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Acrobat <=20.005.30418, Acrobat Dc <=22.003.20282, Acrobat Reader <=20.005.30418.
- 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)
60%
Higher than 99.1% 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-2023-21608 brief as a PDF
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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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Oct 10, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 10, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Oct 10, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Oct 10, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| AcrobatAdobe | See advisory | 20.005.30418 |
| Acrobat DcAdobe | See advisory | 22.003.20282 |
| Acrobat ReaderAdobe | >= unspecified | 20.005.30418 |
| Acrobat Reader DcAdobe | See advisory | 22.003.20282 |
Patched Releases
Acrobat
<=20.005.30418
Acrobat Dc
<=22.003.20282
Acrobat Reader
<=20.005.30418
Acrobat Reader Dc
<=22.003.20282
Timeline
Added to CISA KEV
Oct 10, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 10, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Oct 10, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Oct 10, 2023
Publicly disclosed
Oct 13, 2023
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttps://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb23-01.html
- advisoryhttps://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/magento/apsb23-50.html
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-21608
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2023-26366
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2023-26367
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: Acrobat (Adobe); Acrobat Dc (Adobe); Acrobat Reader (Adobe) versions >= unspecified, among others. 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 Oct 10, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Oct 10, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Oct 31, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Acrobat <=20.005.30418, Acrobat Dc <=22.003.20282, Acrobat Reader <=20.005.30418.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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