CVE-2021-28607 is a heap corruption vulnerability classified as an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787) affecting Adobe After Effects version 18.2 and earlier. The vulnerability arises when the software parses a specially crafted file, leading to memory corruption on the heap. This memory corruption can be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code within the security context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens 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 harmful file. There are no known exploits in the wild reported as of the published date, and no official patches or updates are linked in the provided information. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by potentially allowing arbitrary code execution, which could lead to data theft, system compromise, or denial of service. However, the attack scope is limited to the privileges of the user running After Effects, and exploitation requires user action, which reduces the likelihood of automated widespread exploitation.

For European organizations, especially those in the media, entertainment, and creative industries where Adobe After Effects is widely used, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially allowing attackers to steal sensitive project files, intellectual property, or deploy malware within corporate networks. The impact is heightened in environments where users have elevated privileges or where After Effects is used on shared or networked systems. Given the requirement for user interaction, targeted spear-phishing campaigns or malicious file distribution through trusted channels could be effective attack vectors. This could disrupt production workflows, cause data breaches, or enable lateral movement within corporate networks. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces may face increased risk due to less controlled environments and potential for malicious file sharing. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate urgency but does not eliminate risk, especially as threat actors often develop exploits after vulnerability disclosures.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately verify and apply any available Adobe After Effects security updates or patches from official Adobe sources, even if not explicitly linked in the provided data, as Adobe regularly issues security fixes. 2) Implement strict file handling policies, including restricting the opening of After Effects project files from untrusted or unknown sources. 3) Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior or exploitation attempts related to heap corruption or code execution in Adobe applications. 4) Educate users, particularly creative teams, on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files and encourage verification of file origins. 5) Use application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of After Effects, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 6) Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7) Where possible, run After Effects with the least privilege necessary to limit the scope of code execution. 8) Incorporate file integrity monitoring for critical project files to detect unauthorized modifications.