CVE-2024-49553 Overview
CVE-2024-49553 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe Media Encoder versions 25.0, 24.6.3, and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a malicious media file. Adobe published the issue in security advisory APSB24-93.
The vulnerability requires user interaction, limiting mass exploitation. However, attackers can weaponize crafted media project files distributed through phishing campaigns or supply chain vectors. Successful exploitation yields code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user.
Critical Impact
Attackers can execute arbitrary code on Windows and macOS systems running vulnerable Adobe Media Encoder versions when a user opens a maliciously crafted file.
Affected Products
- Adobe Media Encoder version 25.0
- Adobe Media Encoder versions 24.6.3 and earlier
- Deployments on Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-10 - CVE-2024-49553 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-49553
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] in Adobe Media Encoder's media file parsing logic. Out-of-bounds writes occur when software writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of an allocated buffer. This corruption can overwrite adjacent memory structures including function pointers, return addresses, or object metadata.
An attacker crafts a media file containing malformed structural data. When Media Encoder parses the file, the out-of-bounds write corrupts memory in a controlled manner. Skilled attackers convert this memory corruption into arbitrary code execution using standard exploitation techniques such as heap grooming and return-oriented programming.
The attack executes in the security context of the current user. On workstations where users hold local administrator privileges, this results in full system compromise. Adobe has not published detailed root cause information beyond advisory APSB24-93.
Root Cause
Out-of-bounds write conditions typically stem from missing or incorrect bounds checks during media container parsing. Adobe has not disclosed the specific file format component or parser function responsible for the flaw.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker must deliver a malicious media file to a victim through email, messaging, web download, or shared storage. The victim must open the file in Adobe Media Encoder. Network-based remote exploitation is not possible without user cooperation.
No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-93 for vendor-provided technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49553
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Adobe Media Encoder.exe such as command interpreters, scripting engines, or rundll32.exe.
- Media project files (.mp4, .mov, .epr, .prproj) received from untrusted sources with anomalous file sizes or malformed headers.
- Crash events or Windows Error Reporting entries referencing Media Encoder modules following file open operations.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process lineage for Adobe Media Encoder spawning shells, PowerShell, or network utilities. Legitimate encoding workflows do not require these child processes.
- Deploy YARA rules targeting known malformed media container structures once samples become available through threat intelligence feeds.
- Correlate file open telemetry with subsequent memory-corruption crash signatures in application event logs.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line auditing on workstations running Adobe Creative Cloud applications to capture post-exploitation activity.
- Ingest endpoint process telemetry into a centralized data lake for retrospective hunting against Media Encoder anomalies.
- Alert on outbound network connections initiated by Media Encoder processes to non-Adobe infrastructure.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49553
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe Media Encoder to the fixed version identified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-93 on all Windows and macOS endpoints.
- Inventory Creative Cloud deployments to identify hosts still running version 25.0 or 24.6.3 and earlier.
- Restrict user permissions so Media Encoder does not run under local administrator accounts where feasible.
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds for Media Encoder as documented in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-93. Administrators should deploy the updates through Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop or enterprise deployment tooling such as the Adobe Admin Console.
Workarounds
- Block or quarantine media files from untrusted email senders and external file shares at the mail gateway.
- Train users to avoid opening unsolicited project files or media assets in Media Encoder.
- Apply application allowlisting to prevent Media Encoder from launching child processes outside the expected encoder toolchain.
# Verify installed Adobe Media Encoder version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Adobe Media Encoder" /s | findstr /i "Version"
# Verify installed Adobe Media Encoder version on macOS
defaults read "/Applications/Adobe Media Encoder 2024/Adobe Media Encoder 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.
