CVE-2021-40759 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-40759, a memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe After Effects. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
Adobe After Effects version 18.4.1 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability due to insecure handling of a malicious .m4a file, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. User interaction is required in that the victim must open a specially crafted file to exploit this vulnerability.
Understanding CVE-2021-40759
Adobe After Effects M4A File Parsing Memory Corruption Arbitrary Code Execution
What is CVE-2021-40759?
CVE-2021-40759 is a vulnerability in Adobe After Effects versions 18.4.1 and earlier that allows arbitrary code execution by processing a malicious .m4a file. The exploitation requires user interaction through opening a specially crafted file.
The Impact of CVE-2021-40759
The impact of this vulnerability includes:
- CVSS Base Score: 7.8 (High)
- Attack Vector: Local
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: Required
- Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Impact: High
- Scope: Unchanged
Technical Details of CVE-2021-40759
Adobe After Effects M4A File Parsing Memory Corruption Arbitrary Code Execution
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-788: Access of Memory Location After End of Buffer, resulting from insecure handling of .m4a files leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Adobe After Effects
- Vendor: Adobe
- Affected Versions: <= 18.4.1, <= None (unspecified)
Exploitation Mechanism
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires the victim to open a specially crafted malicious .m4a file, triggering the memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Adobe After Effects M4A File Parsing Memory Corruption Arbitrary Code Execution
Immediate Steps to Take
- Users are advised to update Adobe After Effects to version 18.4.2 or newer.
- Avoid opening or accessing suspicious .m4a files from untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Educate users about the risks associated with opening files from unknown sources.
Patching and Updates
Adobe released security updates to address this vulnerability. It is crucial to keep software up to date to mitigate the risk of exploitation.