CVE-2021-35995 is a vulnerability identified in Adobe After Effects versions 18.2.1 and earlier, caused by improper input validation (CWE-20) when parsing specially crafted files. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to craft malicious files that, when opened by a victim using the vulnerable After Effects software, can lead to the disclosure of arbitrary memory information within the context of the current user. The vulnerability does not allow direct code execution or privilege escalation but can leak sensitive information from the application's memory space. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted file, which limits the attack vector to scenarios where the attacker can deliver such files and convince the user to open them. There are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches or updates are linked in the provided information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality of data processed by After Effects but does not directly impact system integrity or availability. The improper input validation suggests that the application fails to adequately verify or sanitize the contents of files before processing, leading to potential memory disclosure.

For European organizations, especially those in media production, advertising, film, and digital content creation sectors where Adobe After Effects is widely used, this vulnerability poses a risk of sensitive information leakage. Attackers could potentially obtain memory-resident data such as project details, user credentials stored in memory, or other sensitive artifacts, which could be leveraged for further attacks or corporate espionage. While the impact on system integrity and availability is low, the confidentiality breach could lead to intellectual property theft or exposure of sensitive client data. Given that exploitation requires user interaction, the risk is mitigated somewhat by user awareness and secure handling of files. However, targeted spear-phishing campaigns or supply chain attacks delivering malicious After Effects project files could increase the likelihood of exploitation. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk, but the presence of this vulnerability in a widely used creative tool means organizations should remain vigilant.

Organizations should implement several specific measures beyond generic patching advice: 1) Enforce strict file handling policies for Adobe After Effects project files, including verifying the source and integrity of files before opening. 2) Educate users, particularly creative teams, about the risks of opening files from untrusted or unknown sources and encourage verification through secure channels. 3) Utilize endpoint security solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior or memory disclosure attempts related to Adobe applications. 4) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of any malicious file execution within After Effects. 5) Monitor network and system logs for unusual activity following the use of After Effects, which could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Stay updated with Adobe security advisories and apply patches promptly once available, even though no patch links are currently provided. 7) Consider restricting After Effects usage to dedicated workstations with limited access to sensitive networks or data to contain potential breaches.