CVE-2025-43587 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting Adobe After Effects versions 25.2, 24.6.6, and earlier. This vulnerability allows an attacker to read memory outside the intended bounds, potentially disclosing sensitive information from the process memory space. The flaw can be exploited by convincing a user to open a specially crafted malicious file in After Effects. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to bypass security mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), which is designed to prevent reliable memory corruption exploits. The vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or system compromise but can leak sensitive data that may facilitate further attacks. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector requires local access (AV:L), no privileges (PR:N), but user interaction (UI:R) is necessary. The impact is primarily on confidentiality, with no direct impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that remediation may still be pending or in progress.

For European organizations, the primary risk from this vulnerability lies in the potential leakage of sensitive information from memory when users open malicious After Effects project files. Creative agencies, media companies, and any enterprises using Adobe After Effects for video production or visual effects could be targeted. Disclosure of sensitive memory contents could include cryptographic keys, credentials, or proprietary data, which might be leveraged for further attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement. Although the vulnerability requires user interaction, targeted spear-phishing campaigns or supply chain attacks distributing malicious After Effects files could be effective. The ability to bypass ASLR reduces the difficulty of subsequent exploitation attempts, increasing the threat level. Organizations handling sensitive media content or intellectual property should be particularly vigilant. However, since the vulnerability does not allow direct code execution or denial of service, the immediate operational impact is limited but still significant from a confidentiality standpoint.

European organizations should implement targeted mitigations beyond generic advice. First, enforce strict file validation and scanning policies for all After Effects project files received externally, using advanced malware detection tools capable of inspecting file contents for anomalies. Educate users, especially creative teams, on the risks of opening untrusted or unsolicited After Effects files, emphasizing the need for caution with email attachments and downloads. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques for After Effects to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Monitor system and application logs for unusual memory access patterns or crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. Since no patches are currently linked, organizations should maintain close contact with Adobe for timely updates and apply security patches immediately upon release. Additionally, consider network segmentation to isolate systems running After Effects from critical infrastructure to reduce lateral movement risk if exploitation occurs.