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Vulnerability DatabaseCVE-2021-39838

CVE-2021-39838: 
Adobe Acrobat Reader Continuous vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

A use-after-free vulnerability was identified in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, affecting versions 2021.005.20060 (and earlier), 2020.004.30006 (and earlier), and 2017.011.30199 (and earlier). The vulnerability exists in the processing of the AcroForm buttonGetCaption action and requires user interaction through opening a malicious file (CVE Mitre).

Technical details

The vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free vulnerability specifically affecting the AcroForm buttonGetCaption action processing in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, which can lead to unpredictable behavior or crashes (CVE Mitre).

Impact

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The impact is particularly significant as it could allow attackers to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the user running Adobe Acrobat Reader (CVE Mitre).

Mitigation and workarounds

Adobe has addressed this vulnerability in their security bulletin APSB21-55. Users should update to the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to protect against this vulnerability (Adobe Security).

Additional resources

Source: This report was generated using AI

Related Adobe Acrobat Reader Continuous vulnerabilities:

CVE ID

Severity

Score

Technologies

Component name

CISA KEV exploit

Has fix

Published date

CVE-2025-64785HIGH8.4
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader ContinuousAdobe Acrobat Reader Continuous
  • cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat
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CVE-2025-64899HIGH7.8
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  • cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat
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CVE-2025-54257HIGH7.8
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  • cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_dc
NoYesSep 09, 2025
CVE-2025-64787MEDIUM4
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader ContinuousAdobe Acrobat Reader Continuous
  • cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader_dc
NoYesDec 09, 2025
CVE-2025-64786MEDIUM4
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader ContinuousAdobe Acrobat Reader Continuous
  • cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader_dc
NoYesDec 09, 2025

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