CVE-2021-40728: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Use After Free Arbitrary Code Execution

Published Oct 15, 2021
·
Updated

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 Software

24 affected components
Adobe Acrobat DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20095
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20095
Microsoft Windows
Adobe Acrobat DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20096
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20096
Apple macOS
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
All of the following
Any of the following
Adobe Acrobat DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20095
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20095
Microsoft Windows
All of the following
Any of the following
Adobe Acrobat DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20096
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC>=15.008.20082<=21.007.20096
Apple macOS
All of the following
Any of the following
Adobe Acrobat>=20.001.30005<=20.004.30015
Adobe Acrobat Reader>=20.001.30005<=20.004.30015
Any of the following
Apple macOS
Microsoft Windows
All of the following
Any of the following
Adobe Acrobat>=17.011.30158<=17.011.30202
Adobe Acrobat Reader>=17.011.30158<=17.011.30202
Any of the following
Apple macOS
Microsoft Windows

Event History

Oct 15, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:22 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:22 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-40728?

CVE-2021-40728 is a critical severity use-after-free vulnerability.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-40728?

To fix CVE-2021-40728, update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version available.

3

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-40728?

CVE-2021-40728 affects Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions up to 21.007.20095, among others.

4

What causes the CVE-2021-40728 vulnerability?

CVE-2021-40728 is caused by improper processing of the GetURL function which leads to a use-after-free condition.

5

Can CVE-2021-40728 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-2021-40728 can potentially be exploited remotely by attackers through crafted PDF files.

Contact

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