CVE-2021-28604 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) found in Adobe After Effects version 18.2 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software parses a specially crafted file, which can cause the application to write more data to a buffer than it can hold on the heap. This memory corruption can be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. However, exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim must open a maliciously crafted file in Adobe After Effects. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication, but the attack vector depends on social engineering or tricking the user into opening a malicious file. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date, and no official patches or updates have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability affects a widely used creative software product, which is often employed in media production, advertising, and entertainment industries. The heap-based buffer overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious payloads, compromise system integrity, or gain further access depending on the privileges of the user running the application.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, particularly for companies involved in media production, advertising agencies, film studios, and creative departments that rely on Adobe After Effects. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially resulting in data theft, system compromise, or lateral movement within corporate networks. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, targeted phishing or spear-phishing campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. The risk is heightened in environments where users have elevated privileges or where After Effects is run on workstations connected to sensitive networks. Additionally, compromised systems could be used as footholds for broader attacks, including intellectual property theft or disruption of media production pipelines. 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. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate risk level, but organizations with high-value creative assets or sensitive data should treat this vulnerability seriously.

1. Immediate mitigation should include educating users about the risks of opening files from untrusted or unknown sources, emphasizing caution with files received via email or external media. 2. Implement strict email filtering and sandboxing to detect and block malicious attachments that could exploit this vulnerability. 3. Restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary to run Adobe After Effects, reducing the impact of potential code execution. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious behavior related to After Effects processes. 5. Maintain network segmentation to isolate workstations running After Effects from critical infrastructure and sensitive data repositories. 6. Regularly check Adobe’s official channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7. Consider disabling or restricting the use of After Effects in high-risk environments until a patch is applied. 8. Use file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to After Effects files or configurations. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on user behavior, network controls, and proactive monitoring tailored to the nature of the vulnerability and the product involved.