How severe is CVE-2023-21621?

CVE-2023-21621 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-2023-21621 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-21621?

CVE-2023-21621 primarily affects Adobe Framemaker. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21621?

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-2023-21621 published?

CVE-2023-21621 was published on 2023-02-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-21621

CVE-2023-21621 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Framemaker 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-20.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (26th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-20
Affected product: Adobe Framemaker
Published: 2023-02-17
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

FrameMaker 2020 Update 4 (and earlier), 2022 (and earlier) are affected by an Improper Input Validation 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-2023-21621?: FrameMaker 2020 Update 4 (and earlier), 2022 (and earlier) are affected by an Improper Input Validation 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-2023-21621?: CVE-2023-21621 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-2023-21621 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (26th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-21621?: CVE-2023-21621 primarily affects Adobe Framemaker. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-21621?: 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-2023-21621 published?: CVE-2023-21621 was published on 2023-02-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/framemaker/apsb23-06.html

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:framemaker:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:adobe:framemaker:2022:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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