How severe is CVE-2021-36015?

CVE-2021-36015 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-2021-36015 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (83rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-36015?

CVE-2021-36015 affects Adobe Media Encoder. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-36015?

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-2021-36015 published?

CVE-2021-36015 was published on 2021-08-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-36015

CVE-2021-36015 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Media Encoder 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-787.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (83rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-787
Affected product: Adobe Media Encoder
Published: 2021-08-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Adobe Media Encoder version 15.2 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability when parsing a specially crafted file. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-36015?: Adobe Media Encoder version 15.2 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability when parsing a specially crafted file. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
How severe is CVE-2021-36015?: CVE-2021-36015 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-2021-36015 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (83rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-36015?: CVE-2021-36015 affects Adobe Media Encoder. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-36015?: 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-2021-36015 published?: CVE-2021-36015 was published on 2021-08-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/media-encoder/apsb21-43.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:media_encoder:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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