CVE-2021-36019 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting Adobe After Effects versions 18.2.1 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software parses a specially crafted file, allowing an attacker to read memory outside the intended bounds. The flaw can be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker who convinces a user to open a malicious file in After Effects. Successful exploitation results in the disclosure of arbitrary memory contents within the context of the current user. This could potentially expose sensitive information such as passwords, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data residing in memory. However, the vulnerability does not allow direct code execution or privilege escalation. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically opening a malicious file, which limits the attack vector to social engineering or targeted delivery of malicious project files. There are no known public exploits in the wild, and no official patches or updates have been linked in the provided information, although Adobe typically addresses such vulnerabilities in subsequent releases. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity by the vendor, reflecting the moderate risk posed by information disclosure without direct system compromise.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2021-36019 is the potential leakage of sensitive information from the memory space of users running Adobe After Effects. Organizations involved in media production, advertising, film, and digital content creation—sectors where After Effects is widely used—may be at risk of data exposure if employees open malicious files. This could lead to intellectual property theft, exposure of confidential project details, or leakage of credentials stored in memory. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise system integrity or availability, the information disclosure could be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks, such as targeted phishing or lateral movement within networks. The requirement for user interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread automated exploitation but increases risk in environments where file sharing is common and security awareness is low. Additionally, the lack of known exploits suggests a low current threat level, but the vulnerability remains a concern until patched. Organizations with stringent data protection requirements under GDPR must consider the implications of potential data leakage and ensure appropriate controls are in place.

1. Update Adobe After Effects to the latest available version beyond 18.2.1, as Adobe regularly releases security patches addressing such vulnerabilities. 2. Implement strict file handling policies: restrict opening After Effects project files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially email attachments or downloads. 3. Enhance user awareness training focusing on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files, emphasizing the importance of verifying file origins. 4. Employ endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious files or anomalous behavior associated with file parsing vulnerabilities. 5. Utilize application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques for After Effects to limit the impact of any potential exploitation. 6. Monitor system and application logs for unusual activity related to After Effects usage, particularly memory access anomalies. 7. If feasible, isolate systems used for handling untrusted media files from critical network segments to reduce lateral movement risk. 8. Regularly review and audit installed software versions across the organization to ensure timely patch management.