CVE-2024-30296: Adobe Animate RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-30296 Overview

CVE-2024-30296 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe Animate versions 24.0.2, 23.0.5, and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the currently logged-in user. Exploitation requires a victim to open a malicious file crafted by the attacker.

The vulnerability affects installations on both Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS. Adobe published Security Advisory APSB24-36 addressing this issue and other Animate flaws.

Critical Impact
A malicious Animate project file can trigger arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user opening it, enabling attackers to install malware, steal data, or move laterally.

Affected Products

Adobe Animate 24.0.2 and earlier
Adobe Animate 23.0.5 and earlier
Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS hosts running vulnerable Animate builds

Discovery Timeline

2024-05-16 - CVE-2024-30296 published to NVD following release of Adobe advisory APSB24-36
2026-06-17 - Last updated in the NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-30296

Vulnerability Analysis

Adobe Animate contains an out-of-bounds write condition that an attacker triggers by supplying a specially crafted file. When Animate parses the malicious content, it writes data past the boundary of an allocated buffer. The out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent memory structures and can be steered toward attacker-controlled execution paths.

Because Animate runs in the user context, successful exploitation yields code execution at that same privilege level. Attackers can then drop payloads, tamper with local files, or pivot to broader network access.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds validation in the file parser. Animate accepts a size or offset value from untrusted input and writes to memory without verifying that the destination remains within the allocated buffer. This class of defect is tracked as CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a weaponized Animate file through email, chat, cloud sharing, or a compromised website. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable Animate build, the parser processes the malformed structure and triggers the out-of-bounds write.

Exploitation does not require prior authentication to the target system. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-36 for vendor-confirmed technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30296

Indicators of Compromise

Adobe Animate processes (Animate.exe, Adobe Animate) spawning shells, powershell.exe, cmd.exe, rundll32.exe, or scripting hosts
Animate writing executables, DLLs, or scripts to user-writable paths such as %APPDATA%, %TEMP%, or ~/Library/Application Support/
Unexpected outbound network connections initiated by the Animate process shortly after opening a file

Detection Strategies

Alert on child processes of Animate that are not part of the documented Adobe process tree
Flag Animate crashes recorded in the Windows Event Log or macOS ReportCrash logs, which can indicate exploitation attempts against the parser
Correlate email or download telemetry showing .fla, .xfl, or related Animate project files from untrusted senders with subsequent Animate execution

Monitoring Recommendations

Inventory endpoints running Adobe Animate and confirm installed versions against the fixed releases listed in APSB24-36
Monitor file-open events for Animate project files originating from internet zones or removable media
Enable EDR memory-integrity and exploit-prevention telemetry on workstations used by design and creative teams

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30296

Immediate Actions Required

Update Adobe Animate to the fixed versions identified in Adobe Security Bulletin APSB24-36 on all Windows and macOS endpoints
Restrict opening of untrusted .fla, .xfl, and related Animate files, especially those received by email or from external sharing links
Ensure standard users do not run Animate with elevated privileges, limiting the blast radius of successful exploitation

Patch Information

Adobe released fixed builds of Animate 2024 and Animate 2023 that remediate CVE-2024-30296. Administrators should deploy the updates through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app or enterprise deployment tools. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-36 for exact fixed version numbers and download links.

Workarounds

Block or quarantine Animate project files at the email gateway when senders are unverified
Apply application allowlisting to prevent Animate from launching unauthorized child processes
Segment creative workstations from sensitive production systems to contain post-exploitation activity

bash

# Example: verify installed Adobe Animate version on Windows via PowerShell
Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\*" |
  Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "Adobe Animate*" } |
  Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, InstallLocation