Code execution via JPEG2000 out-of-bounds write
Published Oct 15, 2021 · Updated Apr 23, 2025
Out-of-bounds write in Adobe Acrobat Reader allows attackers to execute code when a user opens a crafted JPEG2000 file. The JPEG2000 parser writes beyond a memory buffer while processing malformed image data; Adobe has not disclosed the affected routine or missing bounds check. Execution occurs in the current user's context, limiting resulting access to that user's privileges.
Summary
What happened
Out-of-bounds write in Adobe Acrobat Reader allows attackers to execute code when a user opens a crafted JPEG2000 file. The JPEG2000 parser writes beyond a memory buffer while processing malformed image data; Adobe has not disclosed the affected routine or missing bounds check. Execution occurs in the current user's context, limiting resulting access to that user's privileges.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2021-40731
- Published
- Oct 15, 2021
- Updated
- Apr 23, 2025
- Vendor
- Adobe
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Classifications
- CWE-787, T1204.002
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Oct 15, 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 <=17.011.30202
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <=20.004.30015
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <=21.007.20095
- Affected versionversion=unspecified <=21.007.20096
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.
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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