CVE-2026-21322: 
Adobe After Effects vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2026-21322 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Adobe After Effects that can result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. It affects Adobe After Effects versions 25.6 and earlier (specifically, all versions prior to 25.6.4). The vulnerability was disclosed on February 10, 2026, as part of Adobe's February 2026 security update cycle. It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (High) (Adobe Advisory).

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read), triggered during the parsing of a specially crafted file. When After Effects processes a malicious project file, it reads past the end of an allocated memory structure, which can be leveraged to achieve code execution. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction — specifically, a victim must open a malicious file — and no privileges are required on the part of the attacker. This attack pattern aligns with CAPEC-540 (Overread Buffers) (Adobe Advisory).

Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the currently logged-in user, resulting in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the affected system. An attacker who achieves code execution could access sensitive project files, install malware, or use the compromised session as a foothold for further lateral movement within the network. The scope is limited to the local system and the privileges of the victim user (Adobe Advisory).

1. Craft a malicious file: Create a specially crafted After Effects project file (e.g., .aep) designed to trigger an out-of-bounds read during file parsing.
2. Deliver the file: Distribute the malicious file to the target via phishing email, file-sharing platform, or social engineering, enticing the victim to open it.
3. Victim opens the file: The victim opens the malicious file in Adobe After Effects version 25.6 or earlier.
4. Trigger out-of-bounds read: After Effects parses the crafted file and reads past the end of an allocated memory buffer (CWE-125), potentially exposing memory contents or corrupting adjacent memory.
5. Achieve code execution: The memory corruption is leveraged to redirect execution flow, resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the victim user (Adobe Advisory).

• Process: Unexpected child processes spawned by the After Effects process (e.g., cmd.exe, powershell.exe, bash, curl, or other shells/utilities).
• File System: Unusual files written to the After Effects working directory or user temp folders shortly after opening a project file; unexpected scripts or executables created by the After Effects process.
• Network: Outbound network connections initiated by the After Effects process to unknown or suspicious external IP addresses.
• Logs: Application crash logs or Windows Event Logs indicating memory access violations or abnormal termination of After Effects around the time a project file was opened.

Adobe has released a patch in After Effects version 25.6.4, which resolves this vulnerability. Users should update Adobe After Effects to version 25.6.4 or later via the Creative Cloud desktop application or Adobe's official update mechanism. As an interim workaround, users should avoid opening After Effects project files received from untrusted or unknown sources, and organizations should consider restricting the opening of such files from email attachments or internet downloads (Adobe Advisory).

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) issued an advisory noting that multiple vulnerabilities in Adobe products, including this one, could allow for arbitrary code execution (CIS Advisory). Tenable published detection plugins for the vulnerability. General community reaction has been low-key, consistent with the absence of public exploits or active exploitation.