CVE-2023-28500
CWE-502Published: April 6, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
A Java insecure deserialization vulnerability in Adobe LiveCycle ES4 version 11.0 and earlier allows unauthenticated remote attackers to gain operating system code execution by submitting specially crafted Java serialized objects to a specific URL. Adobe LiveCycle ES4 version 11.0.1 and later may be vulnerable if the application is installed with Java environment 7u21 and earlier. Exploitation of the vulnerability depends on two factors: insecure deserialization methods used in the Adobe LiveCycle application, and the use of Java environments 7u21 and earlier. The code execution is performed in the context of the account that is running the Adobe LiveCycle application. If the account is privileged, exploitation provides privileged access to the operating system. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.
Risk Analysis
Adobe LiveCycle ES4 is vulnerable to insecure Java deserialization, which allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the host operating system. The risk is critical, especially if the application runs with elevated privileges.
No public exploit is known, and the issue is not in the KEV catalog. It is remotely exploitable and relies on specific Java environment configurations.
Upgrade to Adobe LiveCycle ES4 version 11.0.1 or later and ensure the Java environment is updated beyond version 7u21.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-28500 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
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 9.8.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-502): Insecure deserialization vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious objects during deserialization, potentially enabling remote code execution.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-502)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-28500 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts