CVE-2021-36001 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) found in Adobe Character Animator, specifically in version 4.2 and earlier, including Preview 4. This vulnerability occurs when the software parses a specially crafted file, allowing an attacker to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw enables an unauthenticated attacker to disclose arbitrary memory contents within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, as the victim must open a maliciously crafted file to trigger the vulnerability. The out-of-bounds read can lead to leakage of sensitive information such as memory contents that may include credentials, tokens, or other confidential data. However, this vulnerability does not allow direct code execution or privilege escalation, limiting its impact to information disclosure. No known public exploits or active exploitation in the wild have been reported. Adobe has not provided a patch link in the provided information, indicating that remediation may require updating to a fixed version once available or applying vendor guidance. The vulnerability affects Adobe Character Animator, a niche product used primarily for animation and character design, which may limit the attack surface to users involved in creative media production.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2021-36001 is the potential leakage of sensitive memory information when users open malicious files in Adobe Character Animator. Organizations in media, advertising, and creative industries that utilize this software could face confidentiality risks, including exposure of credentials or proprietary data stored in memory. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise system integrity or availability, the information disclosure could facilitate further targeted attacks such as credential theft or lateral movement within networks. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file) reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk from spear-phishing or social engineering campaigns. Given the specialized nature of the software, the impact is more pronounced in organizations with active use of Adobe Character Animator rather than general enterprises. Additionally, the vulnerability could affect contractors or partners who share animation files, potentially creating supply chain risks.

1. Restrict Adobe Character Animator usage to trusted users and environments, minimizing exposure to untrusted files. 2. Implement strict email and file filtering to block or quarantine suspicious animation files (.puppet or related formats) that could be malicious. 3. Educate users on the risks of opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, emphasizing the need for caution with animation project files. 4. Monitor for updates from Adobe and apply patches promptly once available to remediate the vulnerability. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior related to file parsing or memory access in Adobe Character Animator processes. 6. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 7. Conduct regular audits of software versions in use to ensure outdated or vulnerable versions are identified and upgraded. 8. Where possible, isolate systems running Adobe Character Animator from critical network segments to contain potential information disclosure.