CVE-2026-21325: 
Adobe After Effects vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2026-21325 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 After Effects versions 25.6 and earlier (all versions prior to 25.6.4). Adobe disclosed and patched this vulnerability on February 10, 2026, as part of security bulletin APSB26-15. 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 file, it reads past the end of an allocated memory structure, which can be leveraged to achieve code execution in the user's context. Exploitation requires local access and user interaction — specifically, a victim must open a malicious file — and no elevated privileges are required by the attacker (Adobe Advisory).

Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current After Effects user, resulting in high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the affected system. An attacker could access sensitive user data, modify files, or disrupt application availability. The scope is limited to the affected user's context, but could serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within a compromised environment (Adobe Advisory).

1. Craft a malicious file: Create a specially crafted media or project file (e.g., a malformed After Effects project or supported media format) 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 other social engineering methods, disguising it as a legitimate After Effects project or asset.
3. Induce user interaction: Convince the victim to open the malicious file using Adobe After Effects version 25.6 or earlier.
4. Trigger the vulnerability: Upon opening, After Effects parses the crafted file and reads past the end of an allocated memory buffer (CWE-125), potentially exposing memory contents or enabling control-flow manipulation.
5. Achieve code execution: The out-of-bounds read condition is leveraged to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user, enabling further malicious activity such as data exfiltration or persistence (Adobe Advisory).

• File System: Unexpected or unfamiliar After Effects project files (.aep) or media files received from unknown sources; newly created or modified files in user directories following the opening of an untrusted file.
• Process: Unusual child processes spawned by the After Effects process (e.g., cmd.exe, powershell.exe, bash, curl, or other network utilities) shortly after opening a file.
• Network: Unexpected outbound network connections originating from the After Effects process to unknown external IP addresses or domains.
• Logs: Application crash logs or error reports from After Effects referencing memory access violations or out-of-bounds read errors around the time of file parsing.

Adobe has released After Effects version 25.6.4 to address this vulnerability; users should update immediately via the Creative Cloud desktop application. No specific configuration-based workaround is available, but users should be advised not to open After Effects project files or media files received from untrusted or unknown sources. Organizations should enforce application allowlisting and user awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks (Adobe Advisory, CIS Advisory).

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) issued an advisory noting that multiple Adobe product vulnerabilities disclosed in February 2026, including CVE-2026-21325, could allow for arbitrary code execution, recommending prompt patching (CIS Advisory). Tenable published detection plugins for the vulnerability, and security aggregators such as BeyondMachines and Fortress SRM included it in their February 2026 threat roundups. No significant independent researcher commentary or social media discussion has been observed beyond routine patch reporting.