IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS7.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2023-26369|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

Adobe Acrobat and Reader Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability

Adobe Acrobat and Reader contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that allows for code execution.

Published Sep 13, 2023 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A local attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2023-10-05 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader. Acrobat Reader versions 23.003.20284 (and earlier), 20.005.30516 (and earlier) and 20.005.30514 (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. Exploitation requires local access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and user interaction required.

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

Endpoint Administrators
IT Security
Running acrobat: 20.001.3005 ≤ v < 20.005.30524; acrobat dc: 15.007.20033 ≤ v < 23.006.20320; acrobat reader: 20.001.3005 ≤ v < 20.005.30524; acrobat reader dc: 15.007.20033 ≤ v < 23.006.20320
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2023-09-14 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2023-10-05.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb23-34.html
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-26369
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-26369
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