CVE-2021-40763
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of Adobe Character Animator by tricking users into opening malicious WAF files. It affects users of Adobe Character Animator 4.4 and earlier versions. Successful exploitation requires user interaction but could lead to full system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Adobe Character Animator
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system takeover with attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged-in user, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malicious actors send phishing emails with crafted WAF files that, when opened, install malware or steal sensitive data from the victim's system.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls like application allowlisting and user training, exploitation attempts would be blocked or detected before causing damage.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a malicious file) and knowledge of memory corruption techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.4.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/character_animator/apsb21-95.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Character Animator. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Follow prompts to install version 4.4.1 or later. 4. Restart the application.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Block WAF file extensions
allPrevent processing of WAF files at the system or network level
Disable Character Animator file associations
windowsRemove Character Animator as default handler for WAF files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user permissions to limit potential damage from exploitation
- Implement application control to prevent unauthorized Character Animator execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Character Animator version in Help > About Character AnimatorCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via application GUIVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 4.4.1 or later in Help > About Character Animator📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected Character Animator crashes
- Suspicious file opens of WAF files
- Unusual process creation from Character Animator
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Character Animator to unknown IPs
- DNS requests for suspicious domains after file open
SIEM Query:
process_name:"Character Animator.exe" AND (event_type:crash OR parent_process:explorer.exe AND cmd_line:*waf*)