CVE-2024-47441 in After Effects
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2024
After Effects versions 23.6.9, 24.6.2 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in 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.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
Adobe After Effects versions 23.6.9, 24.6.2 and earlier contain a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users of the software. This vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and is classified as a buffer overflow condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs within the application's file parsing mechanisms when processing specially crafted malicious files, creating an opportunity for attackers to execute code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only user interaction to exploit, meaning that a victim need only open a maliciously crafted file to potentially compromise their system. This makes the attack vector highly practical and dangerous in real-world scenarios where users might encounter such files through email attachments, downloads, or other common file delivery methods. The out-of-bounds write condition typically arises when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data structures. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that has been consistently identified as a critical threat vector in software applications. The potential impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to systems, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The attack surface is particularly wide given that After Effects is commonly used in creative workflows where users frequently open files from various sources, including collaborators, clients, or third-party content providers. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to technique T1059.001: Command and Scripting Interpreter - PowerShell, and potentially T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as attackers could leverage the arbitrary code execution to establish persistence or escalate their access within the compromised system. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious file that triggers the buffer overflow when the application attempts to parse it, allowing an attacker to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code or shellcode. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it requires no specialized knowledge or tools beyond the ability to create a malicious file, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors. Organizations using these affected versions should prioritize immediate patching or mitigation strategies, as the vulnerability represents a clear and present danger to their digital security posture. The risk assessment for this vulnerability should include consideration of the application's typical usage patterns, the likelihood of users encountering malicious files, and the potential for cascading attacks within network environments where After Effects is widely deployed. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement appropriate network monitoring and endpoint protection measures to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The recommended mitigation approach includes updating to patched versions of After Effects, implementing strict file validation policies, and educating users about the risks of opening untrusted files. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying application whitelisting solutions and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in media processing applications can create significant security risks when combined with user interaction requirements.