CVE-2024-49528 Overview
CVE-2024-49528 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe Animate versions 23.0.7, 24.0.4, and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a malicious file. Exploitation requires user interaction, limiting mass exploitation scenarios but leaving targeted phishing and social engineering as viable attack paths. Adobe addressed the issue in security bulletin APSB24-76.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Adobe Animate, enabling malware deployment, credential theft, or lateral movement.
Affected Products
- Adobe Animate 23.0.7 and earlier
- Adobe Animate 24.0.4 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS platforms running affected Animate versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-12 - CVE-2024-49528 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-49528
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write condition in Adobe Animate's file parsing logic. When Animate processes a crafted project or asset file, the application writes data beyond the boundaries of an allocated memory buffer. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent structures, function pointers, or control-flow data. An attacker who controls the written bytes can hijack execution flow and run arbitrary code under the current user's account.
The attack vector is local, meaning the malicious file must be delivered and opened on the target host. No elevated privileges are required, and the impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write.
Root Cause
Out-of-bounds write conditions in file parsers typically result from insufficient validation of length fields, index values, or object sizes read from untrusted input. Adobe's advisory does not disclose the specific file format component involved. See Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-76 for vendor-supplied details.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious Animate project file, such as an .fla or related asset, and delivers it via email, messaging platforms, or a compromised download site. The victim opens the file in a vulnerable version of Adobe Animate. The malformed structures trigger the out-of-bounds write, and attacker-controlled payload code executes with the user's privileges.
The vulnerability requires user interaction and cannot be triggered remotely without persuading the victim to open the file. See the vendor advisory for technical specifics.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49528
Indicators of Compromise
- Adobe Animate process (Animate.exe on Windows, Adobe Animate on macOS) spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or shell interpreters
- Unexpected outbound network connections initiated by the Animate process shortly after opening a file
- Creation of new executables, scripts, or scheduled tasks by the Animate process
- Suspicious Animate project files (.fla, .xfl) received from untrusted sources or with anomalous file sizes
Detection Strategies
- Deploy behavioral endpoint detection rules that flag Animate spawning script interpreters or writing executables to disk
- Baseline normal Animate process behavior in your environment and alert on deviations such as memory allocation anomalies or crashes
- Correlate Animate process crashes with subsequent file or registry modifications, which may indicate exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for Adobe Animate crash events and Windows Error Reporting entries referencing the Animate binary
- Track email gateway and web proxy logs for delivery of Animate project files from external sources
- Audit Animate installation versions across managed endpoints to identify unpatched systems
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49528
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Animate to the versions specified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-76
- Inventory all endpoints running Adobe Animate and prioritize creative workstations for patching
- Warn users not to open Animate project files received from untrusted or unverified sources
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed versions of Animate 2023 and Animate 2024 alongside security bulletin APSB24-76 on the initial disclosure. Administrators should deploy the updated builds through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application or enterprise deployment tooling. Confirm remediation by checking the installed version in the Animate application About dialog.
Workarounds
- Restrict opening of Animate project files to those originating from trusted internal sources until patching is complete
- Run Animate under a standard user account rather than an administrator to limit the blast radius of successful exploitation
- Apply application allowlisting to prevent Animate from launching unauthorized child processes
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
