CVE-2025-27183 is a high-severity out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) affecting Adobe After Effects versions 25.1, 24.6.4, and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries, allowing an attacker to write data outside the intended buffer limits. Such out-of-bounds writes can corrupt memory, potentially enabling 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 media file. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication or elevated privileges, making it accessible to remote attackers who can convince users to open a malicious file. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector classified as local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and user interaction required (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component without impacting other system components. Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. Given Adobe After Effects' widespread use in creative industries for video post-production and visual effects, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to users who handle untrusted or external project files.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-27183 could be substantial, especially within media, advertising, film production, and digital content creation sectors where Adobe After Effects is heavily utilized. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive intellectual property, or disrupt production workflows. This could result in data breaches, loss of proprietary content, operational downtime, and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability executes code with the privileges of the current user, organizations with users running After Effects with elevated permissions face increased risk. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means social engineering or phishing campaigns targeting creative professionals could be an effective attack vector. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score indicates that once weaponized, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value creative assets or supply chain components within Europe.

1. Implement strict file handling policies: Restrict opening After Effects project files or media from untrusted or unknown sources. 2. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing: Run After Effects within a controlled environment to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 3. Educate users in creative teams about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files and train them to recognize phishing attempts. 4. Monitor network and endpoint activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or memory anomalies. 5. Maintain least privilege principles: Ensure users run After Effects with minimal necessary permissions to reduce the impact of arbitrary code execution. 6. Prepare for patch deployment: Although no patches are currently available, establish a rapid update process to apply Adobe's fix once released. 7. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of detecting exploitation techniques related to out-of-bounds memory writes and code execution. 8. Regularly back up critical project files and assets to enable recovery in case of compromise.