ZDI-CAN-31012: ZDI-26-664: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The ZDI has assigned a CVSS rating of 7.8. The following CVEs are assigned: CVE-2026-81986.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Compensating control
Limit Adobe Acrobat Reader DC exposure by preventing users from opening untrusted/malicious files or visiting untrusted webpages (user interaction is required per the ZDI description).
- Compensating control
Implement compensating controls (e.g., email/web filtering) to reduce the chance that users will open malicious files or access malicious pages that could trigger the remote code execution (user interaction required per the ZDI description).
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What must an attacker do to exploit this issue?
The attacker must cause the target to visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. Exploitation requires user interaction and can result in arbitrary code execution on the affected Adobe Acrobat Reader DC installation.
How severe is this vulnerability?
ZDI assigned this issue a CVSS score of 7.8, and the reported risk score is 81. Successful exploitation permits remote arbitrary code execution.