CVE-2026-21280
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
Untrusted Search Path in Adobe Illustrator Enables Code Execution

Publication date: 2026-01-13

Last updated on: 2026-01-13

Assigner: Adobe Systems Incorporated

Description
Illustrator versions 29.8.3, 30.0 and earlier are affected by an Untrusted Search Path vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. If the application uses a search path to locate critical resources such as programs, an attacker could modify that search path to point to a malicious program, which the targeted application would then execute. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file and scope is changed.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-01-13
Last Modified
2026-01-13
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-01-14
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-21280
EUVD
EUVD-2026-2061
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
adobe illustrator to 30.0 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-426 The product searches for critical resources using an externally-supplied search path that can point to resources that are not under the product's direct control.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an Untrusted Search Path issue in Adobe Illustrator versions 29.8.3, 30.0 and earlier. It occurs when the application uses a search path to locate critical resources like programs. An attacker can modify this search path to point to a malicious program, which the application would then execute in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires the victim to open a malicious file, changing the scope and enabling arbitrary code execution.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This could lead to unauthorized actions such as installing malware, stealing data, or damaging the system. The impact includes potential full compromise of the user's environment depending on their permissions.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, avoid opening files from untrusted sources in affected versions of Illustrator (29.8.3, 30.0 and earlier). Ensure that the search path used by the application is secure and not modifiable by untrusted users. Consider updating to a version of Illustrator that addresses this vulnerability once available.

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