How severe is CVE-2021-36005?

CVE-2021-36005 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-36005 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-36005?

CVE-2021-36005 affects Adobe Photoshop. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-36005?

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-2021-36005 published?

CVE-2021-36005 was published on 2021-08-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-36005

CVE-2021-36005 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Photoshop with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-121.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (91st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-121
Affected product: Adobe Photoshop
Published: 2021-08-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Adobe Photoshop versions 21.2.9 (and earlier) and 22.4.2 (and earlier) is affected by a stack overflow vulnerability due to insecure handling of a crafted PSD file, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction in that a victim must open a crafted PSD file in Photoshop.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-36005?: Adobe Photoshop versions 21.2.9 (and earlier) and 22.4.2 (and earlier) is affected by a stack overflow vulnerability due to insecure handling of a crafted PSD file, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction in that a victim must open a crafted PSD file in Photoshop.
How severe is CVE-2021-36005?: CVE-2021-36005 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-36005 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-36005?: CVE-2021-36005 affects Adobe Photoshop. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-36005?: 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-2021-36005 published?: CVE-2021-36005 was published on 2021-08-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/photoshop/apsb21-63.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:photoshop:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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