CVE-2021-40755 is a memory corruption vulnerability identified in Adobe After Effects, specifically affecting version 18.4.1 and earlier. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of SGI (Silicon Graphics Image) files within the DoReadContinue function. This function processes SGI files, and due to insufficient bounds checking, it can access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer (CWE-788: Access of Memory Location After End of Buffer). Such out-of-bounds memory access can lead to memory corruption, which attackers can leverage to execute arbitrary code within the security context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, meaning that an attacker must convince a user to open or process a maliciously crafted SGI file using Adobe After Effects. There are no known public exploits in the wild as of the published date (November 18, 2021), and Adobe has not provided a patch link in the provided data, indicating that remediation may require vendor updates or workarounds. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate or disrupt workflows, steal sensitive project data, or install persistent malware. However, the exploitation complexity is increased by the need for user interaction and the requirement to process a specific file type (SGI), which is less commonly used compared to other image formats. This vulnerability is categorized as medium severity by the source, but a detailed assessment is provided below.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-40755 can be significant, particularly for sectors relying heavily on digital content creation, such as media, advertising, film production, and design agencies. Adobe After Effects is a widely used tool in these industries for motion graphics and visual effects. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, resulting in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical creative workflows. Given that the vulnerability requires user interaction and a specific file type, the risk is somewhat mitigated by user awareness and controlled file handling policies. However, targeted spear-phishing campaigns or supply chain attacks delivering malicious SGI files could bypass these controls. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks, potentially affecting broader IT infrastructure. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation, especially as threat actors often develop exploits for unpatched vulnerabilities over time. Organizations involved in creative industries or those with Adobe After Effects installed should consider this vulnerability a moderate threat to operational continuity and data security.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting the handling of SGI files within Adobe After Effects by disabling or limiting the import of this file format if possible, thereby reducing the attack surface. 2. Implement strict email and file filtering policies to detect and block SGI files from untrusted sources, especially in user environments where After Effects is used. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening files from unknown or untrusted origins, emphasizing caution with SGI files. 4. Monitor for unusual process behavior or crashes related to Adobe After Effects, which could indicate attempted exploitation. 5. Maintain up-to-date backups of creative projects and system states to enable recovery in case of compromise. 6. Engage with Adobe support or security advisories to obtain patches or updates addressing this vulnerability as they become available. 7. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous code execution patterns related to After Effects processes. 8. Consider application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques for Adobe After Effects to limit the impact of potential exploitation. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on file type restrictions, user education specific to the attack vector, and proactive monitoring tailored to the affected application.