CVE-2026-21283
Published: 13 January 2026
Summary
CVE-2026-21283 is a high-severity Heap-based Buffer Overflow (CWE-122) vulnerability in Adobe Bridge. Its CVSS base score is 7.8 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploitation for Client Execution (T1203); ranked at the 9.9th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
The strongest mitigations our analysis identified are NIST 800-53 RA-5 (Vulnerability Monitoring and Scanning) and SI-16 (Memory Protection).
Threat & Defense at a Glance
Threat & Defense Details
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5)AI
Directly remediates the heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Bridge by identifying, prioritizing, and applying vendor patches as detailed in APSB26-07.
Implements memory safeguards like ASLR, DEP, and heap protections to block arbitrary code execution from heap buffer overflows during malicious file processing.
Scans systems for known vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-21283 in Adobe Bridge installations to identify and prioritize remediation before exploitation.
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Heap overflow in client-side Adobe Bridge app directly enables arbitrary code execution via malicious file opened by user (T1204.002), matching Exploitation for Client Execution (T1203).
NVD Description
Bridge versions 15.1.2, 16.0 and earlier are affected by a Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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…
more
open a malicious file.
Deeper analysisAI
CVE-2026-21283 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122, CWE-787) affecting Adobe Bridge versions 15.1.2, 16.0, and earlier. The flaw occurs in the Bridge application and can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. It was published on 2026-01-13 with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), indicating high severity due to its potential for complete system compromise upon successful exploitation.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability locally with low complexity and no privileges required, but it necessitates user interaction: a victim must open a specially crafted malicious file. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially enabling full control over the affected system, including data theft, modification, or further persistence.
Adobe's security bulletin at https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/bridge/apsb26-07.html details the issue and recommends mitigation through applying the available patches for supported Bridge versions.
Details
- CWE(s)