CVE-2021-21052 in Animate
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2021
Adobe Animate version 21.0.2 (and earlier) is affected by an Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2025
Adobe Animate version 21.0.2 and earlier contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users of the software. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists within the application's handling of malformed or specially crafted files that are processed during the normal operation of the software. When a user opens a maliciously crafted file, the application fails to properly validate input data, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires social engineering tactics as the attack vector necessitates user interaction through opening a malicious file. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter such files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker crafting a specially designed file that when opened by Adobe Animate triggers the out-of-bounds write condition. This condition allows the attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code that can escalate privileges or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Adobe Animate is commonly used in creative workflows where users frequently open files from various sources, increasing the attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to lateral movement within networks or establishment of command and control channels. From a threat actor perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as well as T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability also represents a significant concern for organizations using Adobe Animate for animation and multimedia development, as the attack surface includes any environment where users might encounter untrusted files. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where multiple users have access to the software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of Adobe Animate to version 21.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and user education programs to reduce the risk of encountering malicious files. Network-based controls such as email filtering and web proxy configurations can help prevent users from accessing potentially malicious files. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted files can provide an additional layer of protection. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns or memory corruption indicators that might signal exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software inventory and vulnerability management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar issues in other Adobe products and third-party applications.