CVE-2021-36003 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) found in Adobe Audition, specifically affecting version 14.2 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when Adobe Audition parses specially crafted audio files. An attacker can exploit this flaw by convincing a user to open a maliciously crafted file, which triggers an out-of-bounds read operation. This results in the disclosure of arbitrary memory content within the context of the current user. The vulnerability does not allow direct code execution or privilege escalation but can leak sensitive information residing in memory, such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data. Exploitation requires user interaction, as the victim must open the malicious file, and no authentication is needed for the attacker to deliver the payload. There are no known exploits in the wild, and Adobe has not published a patch link in the provided data, indicating that remediation may require manual updates or vendor advisories. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity, reflecting its limited impact scope and exploitation complexity.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2021-36003 lies in potential information disclosure. Since Adobe Audition is a professional audio editing software widely used in media, broadcasting, and creative industries, organizations in these sectors could face risks of sensitive project data leakage or exposure of credentials stored in memory. The confidentiality of intellectual property and sensitive audio content could be compromised. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, leaked memory information could facilitate further targeted attacks or social engineering campaigns. The requirement for user interaction and the absence of remote exploitation reduce the overall risk but do not eliminate it, especially in environments where Adobe Audition files are frequently exchanged or downloaded from untrusted sources. Organizations handling sensitive audio data, such as European broadcasters, advertising agencies, and media production companies, should be particularly vigilant.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Immediately update Adobe Audition to the latest version once Adobe releases a patch addressing CVE-2021-36003. 2) Implement strict file handling policies that restrict opening audio files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially email attachments or downloads. 3) Employ endpoint security solutions capable of scanning and sandboxing audio files before they are opened in Adobe Audition. 4) Conduct user awareness training focused on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files, emphasizing the specific threat posed by crafted audio files. 5) Monitor for unusual application behavior or memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Where possible, isolate Adobe Audition usage to dedicated workstations with limited network access to reduce lateral movement risks. 7) Maintain regular backups of critical project data to mitigate potential indirect impacts from exploitation attempts.