How severe is CVE-2021-28581?

CVE-2021-28581 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, 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-2021-28581 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-28581?

CVE-2021-28581 affects Adobe Creative Cloud. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-28581?

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-2021-28581 published?

CVE-2021-28581 was published on 2021-09-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-28581

CVE-2021-28581 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Creative Cloud with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. 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-427.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
CVSS v2: 4.4
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (54th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-427
Affected product: Adobe Creative Cloud
Published: 2021-09-08
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop 3.5 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path vulnerability that could result in elevation of privileges. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must log on to the attacker's local machine.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-28581?: Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop 3.5 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path vulnerability that could result in elevation of privileges. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must log on to the attacker's local machine.
How severe is CVE-2021-28581?: CVE-2021-28581 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, 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-2021-28581 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (54th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-28581?: CVE-2021-28581 affects Adobe Creative Cloud. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-28581?: 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-2021-28581 published?: CVE-2021-28581 was published on 2021-09-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/creative-cloud/apsb21-31.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:creative_cloud:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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