CVE-2021-28610 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) affecting Adobe After Effects version 18.2 and earlier. The vulnerability arises when the software parses a specially crafted file, which can cause memory corruption due to improper handling of heap buffers. This memory corruption can be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code within the security context of the current user. However, 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 as of the published date, and no official patches or updates are linked in the provided information. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system by potentially allowing arbitrary code execution, which could lead to data theft, system compromise, or disruption of services. Given the nature of Adobe After Effects as a professional video compositing and visual effects software, the vulnerability primarily threatens creative professionals and organizations relying on this software for media production workflows.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant in sectors relying heavily on digital media production, such as advertising agencies, film studios, broadcast companies, and marketing departments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal intellectual property, disrupt production pipelines, or use compromised systems as footholds for broader network intrusion. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, especially spear-phishing campaigns aimed at creative professionals. Additionally, compromised systems could be leveraged to deploy ransomware or other malware, amplifying operational and financial damage. The confidentiality of sensitive multimedia content and proprietary project files is at risk, as is the integrity of the production environment. Availability could also be affected if attackers disrupt or disable After Effects installations or related infrastructure. Given the widespread use of Adobe products in Europe, organizations must consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and incident response planning.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Immediately verify the version of Adobe After Effects in use and upgrade to the latest version once Adobe releases a patch addressing CVE-2021-28610. 2) Until a patch is available, implement strict file handling policies, including restricting the opening of After Effects project files from untrusted or unknown sources. 3) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Adobe After Effects, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 4) Conduct targeted user awareness training focused on recognizing suspicious files and social engineering tactics that could lead to opening malicious files. 5) Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or memory anomalies related to After Effects. 6) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting heap-based buffer overflow exploitation patterns. 7) Isolate critical media production environments from general corporate networks to contain potential breaches. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling file sources, user behavior, and containment strategies specific to the threat vector.