How severe is CVE-2021-21045?

CVE-2021-21045 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-21045 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (74th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-21045?

CVE-2021-21045 primarily affects Adobe Acrobat. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-21045?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-21045 published?

CVE-2021-21045 was published on 2021-02-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-21045

CVE-2021-21045 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-284.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (74th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-284
Affected product: Adobe Acrobat
Published: 2021-02-11
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Acrobat Reader DC versions versions 2020.013.20074 (and earlier), 2020.001.30018 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30188 (and earlier) are affected by an improper access control vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to elevate privileges in the context of the current user.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-21045?: Acrobat Reader DC versions versions 2020.013.20074 (and earlier), 2020.001.30018 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30188 (and earlier) are affected by an improper access control vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to elevate privileges in the context of the current user.
How severe is CVE-2021-21045?: CVE-2021-21045 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-21045 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (74th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-21045?: CVE-2021-21045 primarily affects Adobe Acrobat. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-21045?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-21045 published?: CVE-2021-21045 was published on 2021-02-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb21-09.html

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat:*:*:*:*:classic:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_dc:*:*:*:*:continuous:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:*:*:*:*:classic:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader_dc:*:*:*:*:continuous:*:*:*

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