CVE-2023-44372: Adobe Acrobat Reader · Use After Free
Affects Adobe Acrobat ReaderSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 14:05 UTC
- EPSS
- 2.6% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 85% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 16 Nov 2023
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
- Monitor Adobe security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once released to remediate CVE-2023-44372.
- Until patches are available, restrict the opening of PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources using email filtering and endpoint controls.
- Implement application whitelisting and sandboxing for Adobe Acrobat Reader to limit the impact of potential exploitation.
- Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF attachments and encourage verification of file sources.
- Employ advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts.
- Consider disabling JavaScript execution within Acrobat Reader if not required, as it can reduce attack surface.
- Use network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a system is compromised.
- Regularly back up critical data and verify restoration processes to mitigate ransomware or destructive payload risks.
- Review and tighten email gateway security policies to block or quarantine potentially malicious PDFs.
- Conduct periodic security awareness training focusing on social engineering and phishing threats.
Description
CVE-2023-44372 is a high-severity Use After Free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 23.006.20360 and earlier, as well as 20.005.30524 and earlier. This flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user if the victim opens a specially crafted malicious PDF file. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically opening the malicious file, and no prior authentication is needed. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a CVSS score of 7.8. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild.