How severe is CVE-2023-21589?

CVE-2023-21589 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-2023-21589 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-21589?

CVE-2023-21589 primarily affects Adobe Indesign. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21589?

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-2023-21589 published?

CVE-2023-21589 was published on 2023-01-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-21589

CVE-2023-21589 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-787.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (21st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-787
Affected product: Adobe Indesign
Published: 2023-01-13
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Adobe InDesign version 18.0 (and earlier), 17.4 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds write 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 file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-21589?: Adobe InDesign version 18.0 (and earlier), 17.4 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds write 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 file.
How severe is CVE-2023-21589?: CVE-2023-21589 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-2023-21589 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-21589?: CVE-2023-21589 primarily affects Adobe Indesign. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-21589?: 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-2023-21589 published?: CVE-2023-21589 was published on 2023-01-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/indesign/apsb23-07.html

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:indesign:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:indesign:18.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Adobe Indesign

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