CVE-2021-28607 in After Effects
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2021
Adobe After Effects version 18.2 (and earlier) is affected by a heap corruption vulnerability when parsing a specially crafted file. 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 • 05/03/2025
Adobe After Effects version 18.2 and earlier contains a heap corruption vulnerability that arises during the parsing of specially crafted files. This vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow according to CWE-122. The flaw occurs when the application processes malformed input data structures that exceed allocated memory boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through file-based attacks where an attacker crafts malicious files designed to trigger the heap corruption during normal file parsing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's insufficient validation of input parameters when processing specific file formats. When After Effects encounters a crafted file containing malformed data structures, the parsing routine fails to properly bounds-check memory allocations, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This heap corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user, making it a critical security concern for users who may inadvertently open malicious files. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, meaning victims must actively open the malicious file, but this requirement does not diminish its severity given the potential for widespread impact through social engineering or compromised file distribution channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-28607 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a powerful vector for system compromise within creative workflows. Creative professionals who regularly work with After Effects are particularly vulnerable since they frequently open and process various media files from different sources. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through spear-phishing campaigns targeting graphic designers, video editors, and multimedia artists who may unknowingly open malicious files that appear legitimate. The exploitability factor is enhanced by the fact that many users trust files from known sources, making social engineering attacks particularly effective. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through legitimate software applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and operational security measures. Adobe has released updates addressing this issue in After Effects version 18.3 and later, making it essential for users to upgrade to the latest version. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and consider sandboxing environments for handling untrusted creative content. Network-level controls such as file type filtering and content inspection can help prevent malicious files from reaching end users. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the importance of verifying file sources and avoiding opening suspicious files from unknown senders. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing layered security approaches to protect against file-based exploits that target creative applications commonly used in professional environments.