CVE-2022-24096 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) found in Adobe After Effects versions 22.2 and earlier, as well as 18.4.4 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the application improperly handles memory allocation on the heap, allowing an attacker to overflow a buffer and potentially overwrite adjacent memory. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. However, exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens a maliciously crafted After Effects project or file. The vulnerability affects widely used versions of Adobe After Effects, a professional digital visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing application. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of this report, and no official patches or updates have been linked yet. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on March 11, 2022, and is classified as medium severity by Adobe. The heap-based buffer overflow nature of the flaw means that attackers could potentially execute code remotely if they can convince users to open malicious files, which is a common attack vector in creative industries. The flaw does not require elevated privileges or prior authentication, but does require user interaction, limiting the attack vector to social engineering or targeted delivery of malicious files.

For European organizations, especially those in media, entertainment, advertising, and digital content creation sectors, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially allowing attackers to compromise workstations, steal intellectual property, or move laterally within corporate networks. Given Adobe After Effects' widespread use in creative industries across Europe, successful exploitation could disrupt production workflows and lead to data breaches involving sensitive creative assets. The requirement for user interaction reduces the risk of widespread automated exploitation but increases the risk of targeted attacks, particularly spear-phishing campaigns delivering malicious project files. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as an initial foothold in multi-stage attacks against organizations with weak endpoint security. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the availability of the vulnerability details may prompt attackers to develop exploits. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces using After Effects may face increased exposure if users open files from untrusted sources. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is medium, as arbitrary code execution can lead to data theft, system compromise, or denial of service.

European organizations should implement specific mitigations beyond generic advice: 1) Immediately audit and inventory all Adobe After Effects installations to identify affected versions (22.2 and earlier, 18.4.4 and earlier). 2) Restrict the opening of After Effects project files from untrusted or unknown sources, employing application whitelisting or file reputation services where possible. 3) Educate users, especially creative teams, about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious project files and implement strict policies for file sharing and transfer. 4) Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions configured to detect anomalous behaviors consistent with heap overflow exploitation or code injection in After Effects processes. 5) Monitor network traffic for unusual outbound connections from workstations running After Effects, which could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Apply principle of least privilege to user accounts to limit the impact of arbitrary code execution. 7) Regularly check Adobe security advisories for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 8) Consider sandboxing or running After Effects in isolated environments when handling files from external sources to contain potential exploitation.