CVE-2021-36046 XMP Toolkit SDK TIFF_MemoryReader::SortIFD function Memory Corruption

High 7.8 Published 1 Sep 2021 Updated 3 Nov 2025

A memory corruption vulnerability in the Adobe XMP Toolkit allows arbitrary code execution via user interaction.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2021-36046?

CVE-2021-36046 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Debian Debian Linux, published on 1 Sep 2021. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

XMP Toolkit version 2020.1 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability.

Weakness: CWE-787, CWE-788

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-36046?

It affects 2 products.

Products include Adobe Xmp Toolkit Software Development Kit, Debian Debian Linux.

How do I fix CVE-2021-36046?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2021-36046 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-36046 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Debian Debian Linux vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2021-36046, GHSA-q3cq-46x3-3mxj, UBUNTU-CVE-2021-36046.