CVE-2026-21324 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125 affecting Adobe After Effects versions 25.6 and earlier. The flaw arises during the parsing of a crafted file, where the software reads beyond the end of an allocated memory structure. This memory corruption can be leveraged by an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires that the victim opens a maliciously crafted file, making user interaction mandatory. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 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 potential for code execution and full compromise of the affected system is significant. The vulnerability affects a widely used creative software product, increasing the potential attack surface especially in industries reliant on multimedia content creation. The absence of patches at the time of reporting necessitates proactive mitigation strategies.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-21324 can be substantial, particularly for those in media, advertising, film production, and digital content creation sectors that rely heavily on Adobe After Effects. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, resulting in data theft, system compromise, or disruption of critical creative workflows. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, sensitive intellectual property and client data could be exposed or manipulated. The requirement for user interaction reduces the risk somewhat but does not eliminate it, especially in environments where users frequently exchange files. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as an initial foothold for broader network intrusion if attackers pivot from compromised endpoints. European organizations with less mature cybersecurity hygiene or insufficient endpoint protection are at higher risk.

1. Apply security patches from Adobe immediately once they become available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are released, restrict the opening of After Effects project files to trusted sources only, employing strict file validation and sandboxing where possible. 3. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious behaviors related to After Effects processes. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted or unknown sources, emphasizing the need for caution with email attachments and downloads. 5. Use network segmentation to isolate systems running After Effects from critical infrastructure to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 6. Employ memory protection technologies such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) to reduce exploitation success. 7. Monitor security advisories from Adobe and threat intelligence feeds for updates on exploit availability and additional mitigation guidance.