Is CVE-2021-21822 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2021-21822 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2021-21822 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2021-21822 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-21822?

CVE-2021-21822 has a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH).

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HIGH

CVE-2021-21822

CWE-416Published: May 10, 2021· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

8.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine of Foxit Software’s PDF Reader, version 10.1.3.37598. A specially crafted PDF document can trigger the reuse of previously free memory, which can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker needs to trick the user into opening a malicious file or site to trigger this vulnerability if the browser plugin extension is enabled.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-21822 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.8.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-416): Use-after-free vulnerabilities involve accessing memory after it has been freed, often enabling arbitrary code execution.