Code execution via invalid embedded-font object use
Published Aug 10, 2023 · Updated May 28, 2026
Use-after-free in Adobe Acrobat Reader 23.003.20244 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute code via a malicious PDF. Embedded-font parsing performs operations on an object without first validating that the object still exists, allowing reuse of freed memory. A victim must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file; successful exploitation runs attacker-controlled code in the current Reader process and user context.
Summary
What happened
Use-after-free in Adobe Acrobat Reader 23.003.20244 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute code via a malicious PDF. Embedded-font parsing performs operations on an object without first validating that the object still exists, allowing reuse of freed memory. A victim must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file; successful exploitation runs attacker-controlled code in the current Reader process and user context.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-38227
- Published
- Aug 10, 2023
- Updated
- May 28, 2026
- Vendor
- Adobe
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Classifications
- CWE-416, T1204.002, T1203
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 10, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- May 28, 2026Record 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=0 <=23.003.20244
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
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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