# CVE-2026-21280: Adobe Illustrator untrusted search path code execution

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-21280-adobe-illustrator-untrusted-search-path-code-execution  
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-2026-21280 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.6 · Published 2026-01-13

Adobe Illustrator contains a flaw in how it searches for programs and resources on disk, allowing an attacker to substitute a malicious program that the application will execute with user privileges. An attacker must trick a user into opening a specially crafted file, but once the file is opened, arbitrary code runs without additional interaction. This could allow an attacker to install malware, steal data, or take control of a user's workstation.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-21280 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-21280 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-21280?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.6, published 13 January 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Adobe Illustrator 29.8.3, 30.0 and earlier.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-21280?** 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-2026-21280 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-21280?** Check whether you run Adobe Illustrator 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

The vulnerability is an untrusted search path issue affecting Illustrator's resource loading mechanism. When Illustrator searches for critical resources or programs, it does not properly validate the search order or paths used, allowing an attacker to place a malicious binary in a location that is checked before the legitimate one. An attacker must craft a malicious file and trick a user into opening it; upon opening, Illustrator will execute the attacker's code with the privileges of the current user. Versions 29.8.3, 30.0 and earlier are affected. A fix is presumed available in later versions.

## Affected products

- Adobe Illustrator 29.8.3, 30.0 and earlier

## Timeline

- 2026-01-13: disclosed
- 2026-01-13: advisory

## References

- [https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/illustrator/apsb26-03.html](https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/illustrator/apsb26-03.html)

## Related threats

- [Adobe Illustrator out-of-bounds write vulnerability](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-75992-adobe-illustrator-out-of-bounds-write-vulnerability)
- [Adobe Illustrator improper input validation in file parsing](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-75991-adobe-illustrator-improper-input-validation-in-file-parsing)
- [Adobe Illustrator incorrect authorization arbitrary code execution](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-75990-adobe-illustrator-incorrect-authorization-arbitrary-code)
- [Adobe Illustrator out-of-bounds read in file parsing](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-71441-adobe-illustrator-out-of-bounds-read-in-file-parsing)
- [Adobe Illustrator out-of-bounds write in file processing](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-48337-adobe-illustrator-out-of-bounds-write-in-file-processing)