CVE-2021-28570 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) affecting Adobe After Effects version 18.1 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the application improperly handles the search path for executable binaries, allowing an attacker to influence which binaries are loaded and executed by the system. Specifically, an unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by planting malicious binaries in locations that are searched by After Effects during its execution. When the application subsequently loads these binaries, the malicious code is executed with SYSTEM-level privileges, which is the highest level of privilege on Windows systems. However, exploitation requires user interaction, meaning the victim must perform some action such as opening a crafted project or file that triggers the vulnerable code path. No known public exploits have been reported in the wild, and Adobe has not published an official patch or mitigation guidance at the time of this report. The vulnerability poses a significant risk because it can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, install persistent malware, or manipulate system configurations. The uncontrolled search path element issue typically stems from the application searching for DLLs or executables in directories that are writable or influenced by untrusted users, enabling DLL hijacking or binary planting attacks. Given that After Effects is widely used in creative industries, media production, and advertising, the vulnerability could be leveraged to target high-value organizations or individuals involved in these sectors.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-28570 can be substantial, especially for those in media, entertainment, advertising, and digital content creation sectors that rely heavily on Adobe After Effects. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise with SYSTEM privileges, allowing attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, disrupt production workflows, or establish persistent footholds for further network intrusion. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits the attack vector to social engineering or targeted phishing campaigns, but given the high privileges gained, even a single successful exploit can have severe consequences. Additionally, compromised systems could be used as pivot points to infiltrate broader corporate networks, potentially impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical business data. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as threat actors may develop exploits over time. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces may face increased risk if users open malicious files outside secure environments. Furthermore, the vulnerability could be exploited to bypass endpoint security controls if the malicious binaries are executed with SYSTEM privileges, complicating detection and remediation efforts.

Given the lack of an official patch, European organizations should implement several specific mitigations to reduce risk: 1) Restrict write permissions on directories included in After Effects' search path to prevent unauthorized binary planting. This includes verifying and hardening environment variables such as PATH and working directories. 2) Employ application whitelisting and code integrity policies (e.g., Microsoft AppLocker or Windows Defender Application Control) to block execution of unauthorized binaries, especially in directories commonly targeted for DLL hijacking. 3) Educate users on the risks of opening untrusted or unsolicited project files and implement strict email and file download filtering to reduce the likelihood of malicious files reaching end users. 4) Monitor systems for unusual process creation or execution of binaries from non-standard locations, leveraging endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. 5) Isolate critical production environments and limit administrative privileges to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. 6) Regularly audit and review After Effects installations and configurations to ensure no unauthorized changes to search paths or environment variables. 7) Stay informed on Adobe security advisories and apply patches promptly once available. These targeted mitigations go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling the search path environment and enforcing strict execution policies tailored to the nature of this vulnerability.