CVE-2022-23200 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) identified in Adobe After Effects versions 22.1.1 and earlier, as well as 18.4.3 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries, allowing an attacker to write data outside the intended buffer limits. Such memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted After Effects project or file. Once triggered, the attacker could execute code with the same privileges as the logged-in user, potentially leading to unauthorized actions such as installing malware, modifying files, or exfiltrating data. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and Adobe has not provided a patch link in the available information, indicating that remediation may require manual updates or vendor communication. The vulnerability's medium severity reflects the combination of the need for user interaction and the potential impact of arbitrary code execution. The flaw is rooted in the core processing of After Effects project files, which are widely used in media production and creative industries, making it a relevant concern for organizations relying on Adobe's creative suite for content creation and post-production workflows.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-23200 can be significant, especially for those in media, advertising, film production, and digital content creation sectors where Adobe After Effects is extensively used. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, resulting in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical creative workflows. Since the vulnerability operates with the privileges of the current user, the scope of damage depends on the user's access rights; if the user has elevated permissions, the attacker could gain deeper system control. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks, potentially affecting broader IT infrastructure. The requirement for user interaction reduces the risk of widespread automated exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, such as spear-phishing campaigns delivering malicious project files. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests limited immediate threat but does not preclude future exploitation attempts. Organizations handling sensitive media content or proprietary creative assets are at heightened risk of intellectual property loss or reputational damage if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2022-23200, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Ensure Adobe After Effects is updated to the latest available version beyond 22.1.1 and 18.4.3, as vendors typically release patches for such vulnerabilities; if no official patch is available, monitor Adobe security advisories closely for updates. 2) Implement strict file handling policies, including restricting the opening of After Effects project files from untrusted or unknown sources, and use sandboxing or isolated environments for testing files received externally. 3) Educate users, especially creative teams, about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious project files and encourage verification of file origins. 4) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring anomalous process behavior related to After Effects to detect potential exploitation attempts. 5) Use application whitelisting to limit execution of unauthorized code and restrict After Effects usage to designated workstations with minimal privileges. 6) Regularly back up critical creative assets and system configurations to enable recovery in case of compromise. 7) Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a system is compromised. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific attack vector (malicious project files) and the operational context of Adobe After Effects in creative environments.