CVE-2025-54239 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting Adobe After Effects versions 25.3, 24.6.7, and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries while processing certain inputs, leading to the reading of memory locations outside the intended buffer. Such an out-of-bounds read can result in the exposure of sensitive information stored in adjacent memory areas. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically that a victim must open a maliciously crafted After Effects project or file to trigger the flaw. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have local access or the victim must open the malicious file. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), no privileges are required (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R). The impact is limited to confidentiality (C:H), with no impact on integrity or availability. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patches or mitigations have been linked yet. This vulnerability could allow attackers to extract sensitive data from the memory space of After Effects during file processing, potentially leaking proprietary or personal information embedded in memory buffers. Given the nature of the vulnerability, exploitation is constrained by the need for user action and local access to the malicious file, limiting its scope compared to remote code execution flaws.

For European organizations, especially those in creative industries such as media production, advertising, and digital content creation that rely heavily on Adobe After Effects, this vulnerability poses a risk of sensitive data leakage. Confidential information such as project details, proprietary media assets, or user credentials stored in memory could be exposed if a malicious file is opened. While the vulnerability does not allow code execution or system compromise, the confidentiality breach could lead to intellectual property theft or leakage of sensitive client information. 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 After Effects files. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces may face increased risk if users open untrusted files outside secure environments. Additionally, the lack of a patch at the time of disclosure necessitates heightened vigilance. The impact on availability and integrity is negligible, but the confidentiality impact is significant enough to warrant prompt mitigation, especially in sectors handling sensitive multimedia content or personal data under GDPR regulations.

1. Implement strict file handling policies: Educate users to avoid opening After Effects project files from untrusted or unknown sources. 2. Use sandboxing or isolated environments: Open untrusted files in virtual machines or sandboxed environments to contain potential data exposure. 3. Monitor and restrict file sharing channels: Control and monitor the distribution of After Effects files within the organization to prevent malicious files from reaching end users. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions: Use advanced monitoring tools to detect unusual memory access patterns or suspicious file openings related to After Effects. 5. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans: Prepare for potential data leakage incidents by having response protocols and backups in place. 6. Coordinate with Adobe for patch deployment: Track Adobe’s security advisories closely and apply patches immediately upon release. 7. Network segmentation: Limit After Effects workstations’ access to sensitive network resources to minimize data exposure if exploitation occurs. 8. Use application whitelisting and restrict execution privileges to reduce the risk of malicious file execution.