CVE-2026-21267 is an OS command injection vulnerability classified under CWE-78, found in Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop versions 21.6 and earlier. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, which can be manipulated by an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. The attack vector requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a crafted malicious file within Dreamweaver. No prior privileges are required, and the scope of the vulnerability is changed, meaning the attacker can potentially execute commands with the privileges of the user running Dreamweaver. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.6, indicating a high severity due to the combination of local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, required user interaction, and a scope change that impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Adobe Dreamweaver in web development and creative industries. The absence of a patch at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate interim mitigations. The vulnerability could allow attackers to compromise sensitive data, alter or destroy files, and disrupt operations by executing arbitrary OS commands. This threat is particularly concerning for organizations relying on Dreamweaver for development workflows, as it could serve as an entry point for further network compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-21267 could be substantial, especially within sectors that heavily utilize Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop, such as digital media, web development agencies, marketing firms, and educational institutions. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive project data, intellectual property theft, and disruption of development operations. The arbitrary code execution capability allows attackers to install malware, create persistent backdoors, or pivot within corporate networks, potentially leading to broader compromise. Given the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to trick users into opening malicious files, increasing the risk. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems are all at high risk, which could result in financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is exposed. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces might face elevated risks due to less controlled environments. The lack of a patch further exacerbates the threat, necessitating proactive defense measures to minimize exposure.

Until an official patch is released by Adobe, European organizations should implement several targeted mitigations: 1) Enforce strict policies to restrict opening files from untrusted or unknown sources within Dreamweaver. 2) Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files, emphasizing the need for caution with email attachments and downloads. 3) Utilize endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting and blocking suspicious command execution patterns related to OS command injection. 4) Apply application whitelisting to limit execution of unauthorized scripts or binaries spawned by Dreamweaver. 5) Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activities indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected command executions or file modifications. 6) Isolate development environments where feasible to contain potential compromises. 7) Regularly back up critical project data to enable recovery in case of an incident. 8) Prepare for rapid deployment of the official patch once available by maintaining an up-to-date asset inventory of affected Dreamweaver versions. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling file sources, user behavior, and detection capabilities specific to this vulnerability's exploitation vector.