CVE-2026-21301 is a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability (CWE-476) identified in Adobe Substance3D - Modeler, a 3D modeling software widely used in creative industries. The vulnerability exists in versions 1.22.4 and earlier and is triggered when the application attempts to dereference a null pointer while processing a maliciously crafted file. This results in an application crash, causing a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically the opening of a malicious file, but does not require any privileges or authentication, making it accessible to any user who can be tricked into opening such a file. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting the limited impact on confidentiality and integrity but significant impact on availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and Adobe has not yet released a patch. The flaw could be leveraged by attackers to disrupt workflows in environments relying on Substance3D - Modeler, potentially impacting productivity and operational continuity.

For European organizations, particularly those in the digital content creation, animation, and design sectors, this vulnerability poses a risk of application downtime and disruption of critical creative workflows. Denial-of-service conditions could delay project timelines and increase operational costs. While the vulnerability does not expose sensitive data or allow code execution, the forced application crashes could be exploited in targeted attacks to disrupt business operations. Organizations relying heavily on Adobe Substance3D - Modeler for 3D modeling and design may experience productivity losses. Additionally, sectors such as media, entertainment, and advertising agencies in Europe, which often use Adobe products extensively, could be disproportionately affected. The requirement for user interaction means that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files, increasing the risk vector.

European organizations should implement strict controls on file handling within Adobe Substance3D - Modeler environments. This includes educating users to avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources and employing email and endpoint security solutions to detect and block malicious files. Network segmentation can limit the spread of potential disruptions. Organizations should monitor Adobe’s security advisories closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing for file processing can reduce the risk of exploitation. Regular backups of work in progress can mitigate the impact of unexpected application crashes. Incident response plans should be updated to include scenarios involving denial-of-service caused by application crashes in creative software.