How severe is CVE-2021-40709?

CVE-2021-40709 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-2021-40709 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (90th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-40709?

CVE-2021-40709 primarily affects Adobe Photoshop 2020. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40709?

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-2021-40709 published?

CVE-2021-40709 was published on 2021-09-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-40709

CVE-2021-40709 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Photoshop 2020 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-120.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (90th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-120
Affected product: Adobe Photoshop 2020
Published: 2021-09-27
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Adobe Photoshop versions 21.2.11 (and earlier) and 22.5 (and earlier) are affected by a Buffer Overflow vulnerability when parsing a specially crafted SVG 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-2021-40709?: Adobe Photoshop versions 21.2.11 (and earlier) and 22.5 (and earlier) are affected by a Buffer Overflow vulnerability when parsing a specially crafted SVG 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-2021-40709?: CVE-2021-40709 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-2021-40709 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (90th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-40709?: CVE-2021-40709 primarily affects Adobe Photoshop 2020. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40709?: 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-2021-40709 published?: CVE-2021-40709 was published on 2021-09-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/photoshop/apsb21-84.html

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:photoshop_2020:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:photoshop_2021:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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