CVE-2021-42269
📋 TL;DR
Adobe Animate versions 21.0.9 and earlier contain a use-after-free vulnerability when processing malformed FLA files. This could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability requires user interaction - victims must open a malicious file.
💻 Affected Systems
- Adobe Animate
📦 What is this software?
Animate by Adobe
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution with user privileges, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or malware installation when users open malicious FLA files from untrusted sources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if users only open trusted files and have proper endpoint protection.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious file) and understanding of FLA file format manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 21.0.10 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/animate/apsb21-105.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Animate
2. Go to Help > Check for Updates
3. Follow prompts to update to version 21.0.10 or later
4. Restart Adobe Animate after update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict FLA file execution
allBlock execution of FLA files or restrict to trusted sources only
Use application control
allImplement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized Adobe Animate execution
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Adobe Animate until patched
- Implement strict file type restrictions and user training about opening untrusted FLA files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Animate version in Help > About Adobe AnimateCheck Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name="Adobe Animate" get version
On macOS: /Applications/Adobe\ Animate\ 2021/Adobe\ Animate\ 2021.app/Contents/MacOS/Adobe\ Animate\ 2021 --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 21.0.10 or later in Help > About Adobe Animate📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Adobe Animate crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected process creation from Adobe Animate
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Adobe Animate to unexpected destinations
SIEM Query:
source="*adobe*" AND (event_type="crash" OR process_name="Animate") AND (error="access_violation" OR error="memory")