Adobe Photoshop Desktop: Use-after-free allows arbitrary code execution
Summary
Adobe Photoshop Desktop contains a use-after-free memory corruption flaw tracked as CVE-2026-117546. An attacker can execute arbitrary code with the rights of the current user. Exploitation requires that a victim opens a malicious file, such as an email attachment or a downloaded design file. Adobe addresses the issue in security bulletin APSB26-181 and reports no known exploitation.
Affected
- Adobe Photoshop 2026: 27.11 and earlier, Windows and macOS
- Adobe Photoshop 2025: 26.11.8 and earlier, Windows and macOS
Fixed in
- Adobe Photoshop 2026: update to 27.11.1
- Adobe Photoshop 2027: update to 28.0
- Adobe Photoshop 2025 receives no further update; move to Photoshop 2026 (27.11.1) or Photoshop 2027 (28.0)
Workaround
Unknown. Adobe documents no workaround in the sources reviewed. Until the update is installed, do not open files from unknown senders.
Exploitation
- Adobe is not aware of any exploits in the wild for the issues in APSB26-181.
- CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation none, automatable no, technical impact total.
- No public proof of concept known.
Our recommendation
- Check installed Photoshop versions and update them to the fixed versions via the Creative Cloud desktop app or the Admin Console.
- Replace Photoshop 2025 installations with Photoshop 2026 (27.11.1) or Photoshop 2027 (28.0).
- Remind users not to open unexpected files and limit local admin rights on workstations.
- Apply the update within the normal monthly patch cycle.
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- Adobe Security Bulletin APSB26-181 www.adobe.com
- CVE Record CVE-2026-117546 www.cve.org
- Zero Day Initiative: November 2026 Security Update Review www.zerodayinitiative.com
- OffSeq Radar: CVE-2026-117546 radar.offseq.com
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 11 Nov 2026, 02:05.
Original description (NVD)
Photoshop Desktop is 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.
NVD references (1)
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
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