CVE-2021-36055 XMP Toolkit SDK Use After Free Vulnerability In ReadingXMPNewDOM Could Lead To Arbitrary Code Execution

High 7.8 Published 1 Sep 2021 Updated 3 Nov 2025

A use-after-free flaw in Adobe XMP Toolkit allows arbitrary code execution if a user opens a malicious file.

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-2021-36055?

CVE-2021-36055 is a high-severity use after free 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 SDK versions 2020.1 (and earlier) are affected by a use-after-free vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.

Weakness: CWE-416

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-36055?

It affects 2 products.

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

How do I fix CVE-2021-36055?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.

Is CVE-2021-36055 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-36055 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Debian Debian Linux vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2021-36055, GHSA-vvrq-j22m-3x47, UBUNTU-CVE-2021-36055.