How severe is CVE-2021-39821?

CVE-2021-39821 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-2021-39821 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (89th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-39821?

CVE-2021-39821 affects Adobe Indesign. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-39821?

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-2021-39821 published?

CVE-2021-39821 was published on 2021-09-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-39821

CVE-2021-39821 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Indesign 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-125.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (89th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-125
Affected product: Adobe Indesign
Published: 2021-09-29
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Adobe InDesign versions 16.3 (and earlier), and 16.3.1 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could result in 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 TIF file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-39821?: Adobe InDesign versions 16.3 (and earlier), and 16.3.1 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could result in 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 TIF file.
How severe is CVE-2021-39821?: CVE-2021-39821 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-2021-39821 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (89th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-39821?: CVE-2021-39821 affects Adobe Indesign. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-39821?: 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-2021-39821 published?: CVE-2021-39821 was published on 2021-09-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/indesign/apsb21-73.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:indesign:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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