What is CVE-2023-21608?

CVE-2023-21608 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader, classified under Use After Free. CVSS score: 7.8/10. Published 2023-01-18.

How severe is CVE-2023-21608?

High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.8 out of 10.

Is CVE-2023-21608 known to be exploited?

Yes. CVE-2023-21608 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog (added 2023-10-10), indicating it is being actively exploited. 22 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed.

Use After Free in Adobe Acrobat Reader

CVE-2023-21608

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…

Vulnerability class: Use-After-Free

EPSS: 0.775 (99.0th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 7.8 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Adobe Acrobat Reader — versions unspecified

Weakness classification (CWE)

CWE-416 — Use After Free

CISA KEV (Known Exploited Vulnerabilities)

This CVE is on the CISA KEV catalog, added on 2023-10-10. CISA KEV inclusion means CISA has confirmed in-the-wild exploitation; US federal agencies are required to remediate within a published due date.

BOD 22-01 due date: 2023-10-31.

Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Public proof-of-concept exploits

References

helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb23-01.html

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21608?: CVE-2023-21608 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader, classified under Use After Free. CVSS score: 7.8/10. Published 2023-01-18.
How severe is CVE-2023-21608?: High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.8 out of 10.
Is CVE-2023-21608 known to be exploited?: Yes. CVE-2023-21608 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog (added 2023-10-10), indicating it is being actively exploited. 22 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed.