CVE-2026-21274 is an Incorrect Authorization vulnerability (CWE-863) identified in Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop versions 21.6 and earlier. This flaw allows an attacker to bypass internal authorization checks within the application, enabling arbitrary code execution in the security context of the current user. The vulnerability arises because Dreamweaver does not properly enforce authorization controls when processing certain files, allowing maliciously crafted files to trigger unauthorized actions. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a malicious file, which then leverages the authorization bypass to execute code. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are known at this time, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for full system compromise under the current user's privileges. Dreamweaver is widely used in web development and creative industries, making this vulnerability relevant for organizations relying on Adobe's software suite. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate risk mitigation through other controls.

The impact of CVE-2026-21274 on European organizations can be substantial. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or disruption of services. Since Dreamweaver is commonly used by web developers and creative professionals, compromised systems could serve as entry points for broader network infiltration or intellectual property theft. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing sensitive project files and credentials, integrity by enabling unauthorized code changes, and availability by potentially causing application or system crashes. European organizations with heavy reliance on Adobe Dreamweaver, especially in sectors like media, advertising, and IT services, face increased risk. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files, increasing the attack surface. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score underscores the urgency of addressing this vulnerability.

1. Apply official Adobe patches immediately once they are released to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, restrict the use of Dreamweaver to trusted environments and limit the opening of files from unverified sources. 3. Implement strict email and file filtering to block potentially malicious attachments targeting Dreamweaver users. 4. Conduct targeted user awareness training focusing on the risks of opening untrusted files and recognizing phishing attempts. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behaviors related to Dreamweaver processes. 6. Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution within the Dreamweaver context. 7. Regularly audit and review user permissions to minimize the privileges of accounts running Dreamweaver. 8. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a system is compromised. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups of critical project files to enable recovery in case of compromise. 10. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit activity related to this CVE.