CVE-2021-28574 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting Adobe Animate version 21.0.5 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when Adobe Animate parses a specially crafted file that causes the software to read memory outside the intended buffer boundaries. Such out-of-bounds reads can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information present in the memory space of the affected process. The vulnerability does not require authentication, meaning an attacker does not need valid credentials to exploit it. However, exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim must open a maliciously crafted Animate file. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality of data by potentially exposing sensitive information to an attacker in the context of the current user. There is no indication that the vulnerability allows for code execution or affects integrity or availability directly. No public exploits are known to be in the wild, and no official patches or updates are referenced in the provided information, although Adobe typically addresses such vulnerabilities in security updates. The vulnerability was reserved in March 2021 and published in June 2021, indicating it has been known for some time but has not been widely exploited or weaponized. The affected product, Adobe Animate, is a multimedia authoring and computer animation program widely used for creating vector graphics and animations for websites, games, and applications. The vulnerability's impact is limited by the requirement for user interaction and the need for the victim to open a malicious file, which reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation but still poses a risk in targeted attack scenarios.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2021-28574 lies in the potential exposure of sensitive information through memory disclosure. Organizations using Adobe Animate in creative, media, advertising, or educational sectors could have confidential project data, intellectual property, or personally identifiable information (PII) at risk if an attacker successfully delivers a malicious file to an end user. Although the vulnerability does not allow for remote code execution or system compromise, the leakage of sensitive data could facilitate further attacks such as social engineering, spear phishing, or credential theft. The requirement for user interaction means that phishing campaigns or malicious file sharing remain the most likely attack vectors. The impact on operational continuity is low, but the confidentiality breach could have reputational and compliance consequences, especially under GDPR regulations. Organizations with workflows involving frequent file exchanges or collaboration using Adobe Animate files are at higher risk. Additionally, the lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat levels but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation. The vulnerability's medium severity rating reflects these factors, emphasizing the importance of user awareness and secure file handling practices.

1. Update Adobe Animate to the latest version provided by Adobe, as vendors typically release patches for such vulnerabilities; if no patch is available, monitor Adobe security advisories closely for updates. 2. Implement strict file handling policies that restrict opening Animate files from untrusted or unknown sources, including email attachments and downloads. 3. Employ endpoint security solutions with heuristic and behavioral detection capabilities to identify and block suspicious file activities related to Adobe Animate. 4. Conduct targeted user awareness training emphasizing the risks of opening files from unverified sources and recognizing phishing attempts. 5. Use application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques to isolate Adobe Animate processes, limiting the potential impact of memory disclosure. 6. Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual activity related to Adobe Animate, such as unexpected file openings or crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Where possible, implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) controls to detect and prevent unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive information that might result from exploitation. 8. For organizations with high-value intellectual property, consider additional controls such as restricting Adobe Animate usage to dedicated, hardened workstations with limited internet access.