CVE-2024-47416 Overview
Adobe Animate contains an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] that allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The flaw affects Adobe Animate versions 23.0.7, 24.0.4, and earlier releases on Windows and macOS. Exploitation requires user interaction: a victim must open a crafted malicious file in the vulnerable application. Adobe published fixes in Security Bulletin APSB24-76.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Adobe Animate, enabling attackers to install programs, modify data, or create new accounts.
Affected Products
- Adobe Animate 23.0.7 and earlier
- Adobe Animate 24.0.4 and earlier
- Windows and macOS installations of the affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-09 - CVE-2024-47416 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-47416
Vulnerability Analysis
The issue is an Integer Overflow or Wraparound weakness classified under [CWE-190]. Adobe Animate performs arithmetic on values derived from a file parsed at load time. When the value exceeds the range of the destination integer type, it wraps around and produces an unexpected result. Downstream code then uses the wrapped value for memory allocation, indexing, or size calculations. The resulting mismatch corrupts memory and permits an attacker to steer execution into attacker-controlled data.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incorrect bounds validation on numeric fields read from Animate project or asset files. Adobe has not published parser-level details, but integer overflows in creative-suite file parsers typically arise when signed and unsigned width or length fields are combined without saturating checks. The overflow enables subsequent operations to write past allocation boundaries.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker crafts a malicious Animate file and delivers it through phishing, a shared drive, a compromised website, or a supply-chain path. When the victim opens the file, the parser triggers the overflow and executes attacker-controlled code in the user's security context. No network access to the target is required, and no prior authentication to Animate is needed.
No verified proof-of-concept code has been published for CVE-2024-47416. The vulnerability mechanism is described in prose above; refer to the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB24-76 for vendor guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-47416
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Animate.exe on Windows or Adobe Animate on macOS, such as command shells, scripting hosts, or LOLBins.
- Adobe Animate crashes or exception events immediately followed by suspicious file writes or outbound network connections.
- Animate project files (.fla, .xfl) arriving from untrusted email, chat, or download sources and being opened by end users.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for process-tree anomalies where Adobe Animate is the parent of cmd.exe, powershell.exe, wscript.exe, bash, or osascript.
- Alert on memory-protection or exploit-mitigation events (DEP, CFG, ASLR) generated by the Animate process.
- Correlate file-open telemetry for Animate document formats against endpoint EDR alerts within a short time window.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Inventory endpoints running Adobe Animate and track installed versions to prioritize patch verification.
- Monitor email and web gateways for delivery of Animate project files from external senders.
- Log and review crash reports from creative workstations, since successful and failed exploitation attempts often leave crash artifacts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-47416
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe Animate to the fixed versions listed in Adobe Security Bulletin APSB24-76.
- Restrict opening of Animate files received from untrusted sources until patching is confirmed across the fleet.
- Ensure Animate users operate under standard (non-administrator) accounts to limit the blast radius of code execution.
Patch Information
Adobe released patched builds through the Creative Cloud desktop application. Administrators should force an update to versions later than 23.0.7 and 24.0.4 on all Windows and macOS endpoints running Animate. See the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB24-76 for the complete list of fixed builds and Adobe Priority Rating.
Workarounds
- Block inbound Animate project files (.fla, .xfl) at email and web gateways where business need does not require them.
- Enforce application allow-listing so Adobe Animate cannot spawn interpreters or shells.
- Train creative and design teams to validate the source of any Animate file before opening it.
# Verify installed Adobe Animate version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Animate" /s | findstr /I "Version"
# Verify installed Adobe Animate version on macOS
defaults read "/Applications/Adobe Animate 2024/Adobe Animate 2024.app/Contents/Info.plist" CFBundleShortVersionString
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
