CVE-2022-24095 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Adobe After Effects, specifically affecting versions 22.2 and earlier, as well as 18.4.4 and earlier. A stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-121) occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the stack than it can hold, potentially overwriting adjacent memory. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user by crafting a malicious After Effects project file. Exploitation requires user interaction, meaning the victim must open the malicious file in Adobe After Effects. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to run code with the privileges of the user running the application. This could result in unauthorized actions such as installing malware, stealing data, or manipulating system settings. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of this report, and no official patches or updates have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on March 11, 2022, and is recognized by Adobe and CISA, indicating it is a credible and acknowledged security issue. The absence of a patch suggests that affected users should exercise caution when handling files from untrusted sources and monitor Adobe's security advisories for updates.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant, particularly for those in creative industries, media production, advertising, and any sectors relying heavily on Adobe After Effects for video and motion graphics production. Exploitation could lead to compromise of workstations, potentially allowing attackers to move laterally within corporate networks if the compromised user has elevated privileges or access to sensitive resources. This could result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of production workflows. Given that After Effects is widely used in creative agencies and media companies across Europe, the risk extends to the confidentiality and integrity of multimedia content and proprietary projects. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as entry points for broader attacks, including ransomware or espionage campaigns. The requirement for user interaction limits the attack vector to social engineering or targeted phishing campaigns, but the potential for damage remains notable, especially if attackers craft convincing malicious files tailored to specific organizations or individuals.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on user education and awareness: train users to avoid opening After Effects project files from untrusted or unknown sources. 2. Implement strict email and file filtering policies to detect and block suspicious attachments or links that could deliver malicious After Effects files. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques for Adobe After Effects to restrict its ability to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive system resources. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process spawning or memory anomalies. 5. Maintain principle of least privilege for users running After Effects, limiting their permissions to reduce potential impact if exploitation occurs. 6. Regularly back up critical data and project files to enable recovery in case of compromise. 7. Monitor Adobe’s official security advisories and apply patches promptly once available. 8. Consider network segmentation to isolate systems running After Effects from critical infrastructure to contain potential breaches. 9. Employ file integrity monitoring on directories where After Effects project files are stored to detect unauthorized modifications.