# CVE-2026-21277: Adobe InDesign heap-based buffer overflow

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-21277-adobe-indesign-heap-based-buffer-overflow  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-01-13. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-21277 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-01-13

Adobe InDesign is a professional design and layout software used by creative teams to produce digital and print media. A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability allows attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on a user's computer by tricking them into opening a specially crafted malicious file. This could enable unauthorized access to sensitive project files, system data, and provide a foothold for further attacks.

Technologies: [Adobe InDesign](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/indesign). Vendors: [Adobe](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/adobe).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-21277 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-21277 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-21277?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 January 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Adobe InDesign 19.5.5, 21.0 and earlier.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-21277?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-21277 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-21277?** Check whether you run Adobe InDesign at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Adobe InDesign that permits arbitrary code execution within the context of the user running the application. The vulnerability is triggered when a user opens a crafted malicious file, indicating the flaw likely resides in file parsing or processing logic. The attack requires user interaction (opening a file) but no authentication bypass or elevated privileges are necessary. An attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution on the victim's system with the privileges of the logged-in user. Adobe has addressed this issue in patched versions beyond 19.5.5 and 21.0.

## Affected products

- Adobe InDesign 19.5.5, 21.0 and earlier

## Timeline

- 2026-01-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/indesign/apsb26-02.html](https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/indesign/apsb26-02.html)

## Related threats

- [Adobe InDesign out-of-bounds write in Desktop application](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-48293-adobe-indesign-out-of-bounds-write-in-desktop-application)
- [Adobe InDesign out-of-bounds read in Desktop application](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-34705-adobe-indesign-out-of-bounds-read-in-desktop-application)
- [Adobe InDesign NULL Pointer Dereference denial-of-service](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-34704-adobe-indesign-null-pointer-dereference-denial-of-service)
- [Adobe InDesign NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-34703-adobe-indesign-null-pointer-dereference-vulnerability)
- [Adobe InDesign stack-based buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-34702-adobe-indesign-stack-based-buffer-overflow)