CVE-2021-28622 in Animate
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2021
Adobe Animate version 21.0.6 (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 • 05/03/2025
Adobe Animate version 21.0.6 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 occurs when the application processes certain malformed input data, particularly within file parsing operations that handle multimedia content. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution threat because an attacker can craft malicious files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, trigger the exploitable condition. This represents a classic attack vector that aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries during file processing operations. When Adobe Animate encounters specially crafted input data, typically within multimedia elements or animation sequences, the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures or execute arbitrary code within the context of the currently logged-in user. The out-of-bounds write condition is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through a file-based attack vector that requires minimal privileges from the attacker while potentially allowing full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a complete compromise of user systems through social engineering or supply chain attacks. Attackers can distribute malicious files through various channels including email attachments, compromised websites, or infected software updates. The requirement for user interaction to open the malicious file creates a significant challenge for exploitation but also makes the vulnerability more practical to weaponize through targeted campaigns. Once executed, the malicious code operates with the privileges of the current user, potentially allowing for data theft, system reconnaissance, or further escalation to administrative privileges. The vulnerability affects users across multiple operating systems where Adobe Animate is installed, making it a widespread concern for organizations and individual users alike.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of Adobe Animate to version 21.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and user education programs to reduce the risk of opening potentially malicious files. Security teams should monitor for suspicious file downloads or attachments and consider implementing sandboxing solutions for handling untrusted content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software across all systems and implementing automated patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Additionally, network security controls such as intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for potential exploitation attempts related to this specific CVE.