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CVE-2026-21274: High Vulnerability in Adobe Dreamweaver

Adobe Dreamweaver is affected by a high-severity Incorrect Authorization vulnerability that can lead to arbitrary code execution. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, emphasizing the need for immediate patching.

HIGHCVSS 7.8 · Published January 13, 2026

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The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-21274 affects Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop versions 21.6 and earlier. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Furthermore, exploitation of this issue necessitates user interaction; specifically, the victim must open a malicious file to trigger the vulnerability.

This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 7.8, categorizing it as high severity. The ramifications of this vulnerability are significant, as it could potentially lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of user data. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Dreamweaver are at risk, and immediate attention to patching is imperative.

Currently, there is no confirmed public exploit for this vulnerability, which underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate any potential risks. Organizations should prioritize patching to safeguard their systems from potential exploitation.

Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. By addressing this vulnerability, they can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Vulnerability Details

The official description states that the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass security measures to execute unauthorized code. The attack vector is classified as LOCAL, with a low attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. User interaction is necessary, and the scope of the impact remains unchanged.

The CVSS vector string for this vulnerability is 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H', indicating a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-863, which pertains to Incorrect Authorization.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the incorrect handling of authorization checks within Dreamweaver. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting a malicious file that, when opened by the victim, allows the execution of arbitrary code.

The attack vector is classified as local, meaning that the attacker must have physical or remote access to the affected system. The attack complexity is low, indicating that the exploitation does not require extensive knowledge or advanced techniques.

No privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous. User interaction is mandatory, as the victim must open the malicious file for the attack to succeed.

The potential impacts of this vulnerability are severe. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability could all be compromised if an attacker successfully executes arbitrary code. Organizations should evaluate their exposure and take necessary remedial actions.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to system resources, potential data manipulation, and loss of integrity in the software environment. The blast radius for this vulnerability is significant, as it affects users who interact with the compromised application.

Organizations should assess their risk posture regarding this vulnerability. Given its high CVSS score, immediate action should be taken to patch affected systems. The urgency for remediation is critical, especially for organizations relying on Dreamweaver for their operations.

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

All versions of Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop prior to version 21.7 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this risk.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should apply patches and updates provided by Adobe to remediate this vulnerability. Upgrading to version 21.7 or later is critical to ensure protection against potential exploits. If a patch is not available, organizations should consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the application or monitoring file interactions.

For continuous assessment of security posture, organizations may also engage in continuous security testing to identify vulnerabilities in their systems.

Detection Guidance

To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for the following indicators: unusual file access patterns, unexpected application crashes, and unauthorized code execution events. Additionally, logging and reviewing user actions within Dreamweaver can help identify malicious activities.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

This vulnerability highlights the critical nature of authorization checks within software applications. As attackers continuously evolve their tactics, it is essential for security teams to stay ahead by implementing robust security measures.

Organizations should consider adopting a comprehensive vulnerability management program to proactively address potential risks and improve their security posture.

Additionally, organizations can benefit from engaging in penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of their security controls against such vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, understanding and addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-21274 is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of organizational systems.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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