How severe is CVE-2021-28545?

CVE-2021-28545 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2021-28545 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-28545?

CVE-2021-28545 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-2021-28545?

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-2021-28545 published?

CVE-2021-28545 was published on 2021-04-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-28545

CVE-2021-28545 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. 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-353.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
CVSS v2: 5.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (81st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-353
Affected product: Adobe Acrobat
Published: 2021-04-01
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 missing support for an integrity check. An unauthenticated attacker would have the ability to completely manipulate data in a certified PDF without invalidating the original certification. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open the tampered file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-28545?: Acrobat Reader DC versions versions 2020.013.20074 (and earlier), 2020.001.30018 (and earlier) and 2017.011.30188 (and earlier) are missing support for an integrity check. An unauthenticated attacker would have the ability to completely manipulate data in a certified PDF without invalidating the original certification. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open the tampered file.
How severe is CVE-2021-28545?: CVE-2021-28545 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2021-28545 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-28545?: CVE-2021-28545 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-2021-28545?: 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-2021-28545 published?: CVE-2021-28545 was published on 2021-04-01 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:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Adobe Acrobat

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