CVE-2023-38224: ZDI-CAN-21122: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Aug 10, 2023
·
Updated

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 23.003.20244 (and earlier) and 20.005.30467 (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.

Affected Software

8 affected components
Adobe Acrobat DC>=15.008.20082<23.003.20269
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC>=15.008.20082<23.003.20269
Apple macOS
Microsoft Windows
Adobe Acrobat>=20.001.30005<=20.005.30516.10516
Adobe Acrobat Reader>=20.001.30005<20.005.30516.10516
Adobe Acrobat>=20.001.30005<20.005.30514.10514
Adobe Acrobat Reader>=20.001.30005<20.005.30514.10514

Event History

Aug 10, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:17 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:17 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2023-38224?

CVE-2023-38224 is a Use After Free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 23.003.20244 (and earlier) and 20.005.30467 (and earlier) that could lead to arbitrary code execution.

2

How can the vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 23.003.20244 (and earlier) and 20.005.30467 (and earlier) be exploited?

Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically the victim must open a maliciously crafted PDF file.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2023-38224?

The severity of CVE-2023-38224 is high with a CVSS score of 7.8.

4

Are Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows affected by this vulnerability?

No, Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows are not affected by this vulnerability.

5

How do I fix the Use After Free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader?

To fix the vulnerability, update Adobe Acrobat Reader to version 23.003.20269 or later.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203