CVE-2021-35997: Access of Memory Location After End of Buffer (CWE-788) in Adobe Premiere
Adobe Premiere Pro version 15.2 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability when parsing a specially crafted file. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2021-35997 is a memory corruption vulnerability classified under CWE-788 (Access of Memory Location After End of Buffer) affecting Adobe Premiere Pro version 15.2 and earlier. The vulnerability arises during the parsing of specially crafted files, where the application improperly accesses memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw can lead to memory corruption, which an unauthenticated attacker could exploit to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. However, exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens a maliciously crafted file in Adobe Premiere Pro. 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 have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by potentially allowing arbitrary code execution, which could lead to data compromise or system control. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is primarily a client-side risk affecting users who handle untrusted media files within Adobe Premiere Pro.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, especially those in media production, broadcasting, advertising, and creative industries where Adobe Premiere Pro is widely used, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive project files, intellectual property, or deploy malware within corporate networks. Since Adobe Premiere Pro is commonly used on workstations, a compromised system could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within an organization. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, particularly spear-phishing campaigns delivering malicious media files. The impact on confidentiality is high due to potential data theft, integrity can be compromised by unauthorized code execution, and availability could be affected if malware disrupts system operations. Organizations handling sensitive media content or operating in regulated sectors (e.g., media companies under GDPR) may face compliance and reputational risks if exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Implement strict file handling policies: Educate users to avoid opening media files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially unsolicited files received via email or external media. 2. Use sandboxing or isolated environments for opening unverified media files to contain potential exploitation. 3. Monitor and restrict the use of Adobe Premiere Pro to trusted users and devices with up-to-date endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior. 4. Employ network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a workstation is compromised. 5. Regularly audit and update software: Although no patch link is provided, organizations should monitor Adobe's official channels for updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly. 6. Deploy advanced threat detection tools that can identify exploitation attempts based on memory corruption or unusual process behavior. 7. Implement application whitelisting and privilege restrictions to minimize the impact of arbitrary code execution. 8. Maintain robust backup and incident response plans to recover quickly from potential compromises.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden
CVE-2021-35997: Access of Memory Location After End of Buffer (CWE-788) in Adobe Premiere
Description
Adobe Premiere Pro version 15.2 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability when parsing a specially crafted file. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-35997 is a memory corruption vulnerability classified under CWE-788 (Access of Memory Location After End of Buffer) affecting Adobe Premiere Pro version 15.2 and earlier. The vulnerability arises during the parsing of specially crafted files, where the application improperly accesses memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw can lead to memory corruption, which an unauthenticated attacker could exploit to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. However, exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens a maliciously crafted file in Adobe Premiere Pro. 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 have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by potentially allowing arbitrary code execution, which could lead to data compromise or system control. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is primarily a client-side risk affecting users who handle untrusted media files within Adobe Premiere Pro.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, especially those in media production, broadcasting, advertising, and creative industries where Adobe Premiere Pro is widely used, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive project files, intellectual property, or deploy malware within corporate networks. Since Adobe Premiere Pro is commonly used on workstations, a compromised system could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within an organization. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, particularly spear-phishing campaigns delivering malicious media files. The impact on confidentiality is high due to potential data theft, integrity can be compromised by unauthorized code execution, and availability could be affected if malware disrupts system operations. Organizations handling sensitive media content or operating in regulated sectors (e.g., media companies under GDPR) may face compliance and reputational risks if exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Implement strict file handling policies: Educate users to avoid opening media files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially unsolicited files received via email or external media. 2. Use sandboxing or isolated environments for opening unverified media files to contain potential exploitation. 3. Monitor and restrict the use of Adobe Premiere Pro to trusted users and devices with up-to-date endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior. 4. Employ network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a workstation is compromised. 5. Regularly audit and update software: Although no patch link is provided, organizations should monitor Adobe's official channels for updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly. 6. Deploy advanced threat detection tools that can identify exploitation attempts based on memory corruption or unusual process behavior. 7. Implement application whitelisting and privilege restrictions to minimize the impact of arbitrary code execution. 8. Maintain robust backup and incident response plans to recover quickly from potential compromises.
Affected Countries
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- adobe
- Date Reserved
- 2021-06-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
Threat ID: 682d9841c4522896dcbf193a
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:09:21 AM
Last enriched: 6/23/2025, 11:55:50 PM
Last updated: 8/16/2025, 4:06:36 AM
Views: 13
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