CVE-2025-61804 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) identified in Adobe Animate versions 23.0.13, 24.0.10, and earlier. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers during the processing of Animate files, which can lead to memory corruption. An attacker can craft a malicious Animate file that, when opened by a user, triggers the overflow, allowing arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. This means the attacker could potentially execute malicious payloads, manipulate or exfiltrate data, or disrupt system operations. The attack vector requires local user interaction, specifically opening a malicious file, and does not require prior authentication or elevated privileges. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with metrics indicating low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Currently, no patches or exploit code are publicly available, but the vulnerability is officially published and recognized by Adobe. Given Adobe Animate’s widespread use in digital content creation, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to users who handle untrusted files or receive files from external sources. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests a window for proactive mitigation before active exploitation occurs.

For European organizations, particularly those in media, advertising, and digital content creation sectors that rely on Adobe Animate, this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of creative workflows. The compromise of user accounts could serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within corporate networks. Confidentiality is at risk due to potential data exposure; integrity could be compromised by unauthorized modification of files or systems; and availability might be affected if systems are destabilized or malware is deployed. The requirement for user interaction limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently exchange files. The absence of known exploits currently provides an opportunity for organizations to strengthen defenses before active attacks emerge.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered approach to mitigate this vulnerability. First, monitor Adobe’s official channels for patches and apply updates promptly once available. Until patches are released, restrict the opening of Animate files from untrusted or unknown sources through email filtering and endpoint policies. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the execution of untrusted files. Enhance user awareness training to recognize suspicious files and avoid opening unexpected attachments. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behaviors indicative of heap overflow exploitation. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a compromise occurs. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the impact of potential code execution. Regularly back up critical data to enable recovery in case of an incident. Finally, consider disabling or limiting Adobe Animate usage on systems where it is not essential.