CVE-2026-21283 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) affecting Adobe Bridge versions 15.1.2, 16.0, and earlier. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of data in memory buffers on the heap, which can be overflowed by a specially crafted malicious file. When a user opens such a file in Adobe Bridge, the overflow can corrupt memory, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. This means the attacker can potentially take control of the affected system with the same privileges as the user running Adobe Bridge. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically opening a malicious file, but does not require prior authentication or elevated privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 indicates a high severity, with metrics AV:L (local attack vector), AC:L (low attack complexity), PR:N (no privileges required), UI:R (user interaction required), and impacts rated high for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered a significant risk. Adobe Bridge is widely used in creative industries and enterprises for managing digital assets, making this vulnerability relevant for organizations relying on these workflows. The lack of patches necessitates immediate risk mitigation strategies to prevent exploitation.

The exploitation of CVE-2026-21283 can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. For European organizations, this could result in unauthorized access to sensitive creative assets, intellectual property theft, disruption of digital asset management workflows, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Given Adobe Bridge’s role in creative and marketing departments, a successful attack could also lead to reputational damage and operational downtime. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could effectively deliver malicious files. The high CVSS score reflects the serious consequences of exploitation, especially in environments where users have elevated privileges or where Adobe Bridge is integrated with other critical systems. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits following public disclosure. European organizations with large creative teams or digital media operations are particularly vulnerable to data breaches and operational impacts stemming from this vulnerability.

1. Monitor Adobe’s official channels for patches and apply updates immediately once available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are released, restrict the types of files that can be opened with Adobe Bridge, especially from untrusted sources. 3. Implement strict email and web filtering to block or quarantine suspicious files that could exploit this vulnerability. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected files, emphasizing caution with files received via email or downloaded from the internet. 5. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions with behavior-based detection capabilities to identify and block exploitation attempts. 6. Use application whitelisting to limit execution of unauthorized code and scripts. 7. Isolate Adobe Bridge usage to segmented network zones to reduce lateral movement potential if compromise occurs. 8. Regularly back up critical creative assets and verify backup integrity to enable recovery in case of compromise. 9. Conduct vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on Adobe Bridge deployments to identify exposure. 10. Review and enforce least privilege principles for users running Adobe Bridge to minimize impact if exploited.