CVE-2026-81985

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Use After Free in Acrobat Reader Allows Code Execution

Publication date: 2026-09-08

Last updated on: 2026-09-10

Assigner: Adobe Systems Incorporated

Description

Acrobat Reader is affected by a Use After Free vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published

2026-09-08

Last Modified

2026-09-10

Generated

2026-09-29

AI Q&A

2026-09-09

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-27

NVD

CVE-2026-81985

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
adobe	acrobat_dc	From 15.008.20082 (inc) to 26.002.21901 (exc)
adobe	acrobat_reader_dc	From 15.008.20082 (inc) to 26.002.21901 (exc)
adobe	acrobat	From 24.001.20604 (inc) to 24.001.30429 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-416	The product reuses or references memory after it has been freed. At some point afterward, the memory may be allocated again and saved in another pointer, while the original pointer references a location somewhere within the new allocation. Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

Acrobat Reader is affected by a Use After Free vulnerability. This means the software fails to properly manage memory after freeing it, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. Exploitation requires user interaction, as the victim must open a specially crafted malicious file.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, such as opening a malicious file. Detection may involve monitoring for suspicious PDF files or unusual processes after opening files. No specific commands are provided in the context.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to run malicious code on your computer, potentially stealing data, installing malware, or taking control of your system. Since it requires opening a malicious file, users should avoid downloading or opening untrusted files.

Mitigation Strategies

Update Acrobat Reader to the latest version to patch the vulnerability. Avoid opening untrusted PDF files and use security tools to scan files before opening.

Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-81985. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.

0/70