Code execution via CoolType out-of-bounds write
Published Mar 12, 2021 · Updated Apr 23, 2025
An out-of-bounds write in Adobe Photoshop 21.2.5 and earlier and 22.2 and earlier allows attackers to execute code when a malicious file is opened. The CoolType library performs an out-of-bounds write while processing crafted file data; Adobe has not disclosed the affected routine or malformed field. Exploitation requires a victim to open the file, after which code runs with the current user's privileges and can read, alter, or interrupt that user's data and processes.
Summary
What happened
An out-of-bounds write in Adobe Photoshop 21.2.5 and earlier and 22.2 and earlier allows attackers to execute code when a malicious file is opened. The CoolType library performs an out-of-bounds write while processing crafted file data; Adobe has not disclosed the affected routine or malformed field. Exploitation requires a victim to open the file, after which code runs with the current user's privileges and can read, alter, or interrupt that user's data and processes.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2021-21067
- Published
- Mar 12, 2021
- Updated
- Apr 23, 2025
- Vendor
- Adobe
- Product
- Adobe Photoshop
- Classifications
- CWE-787, T1203, T1204.002
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Mar 12, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 23, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <=21.2.5
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <=22.2
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <=None
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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