CVE-2025-27199 Overview
CVE-2025-27199 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability [CWE-122] affecting Adobe Animate versions 24.0.7, 23.0.10, 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 the attack surface to social engineering or supply chain delivery of crafted project files. Adobe addressed the issue in security advisory APSB25-31.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Adobe Animate, enabling full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the host.
Affected Products
- Adobe Animate 24.0.7 and earlier
- Adobe Animate 23.0.10 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS installations of the affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-08 - CVE-2025-27199 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2025-04-18 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-27199
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Animate's file parsing logic. When Animate processes a crafted project or asset file, the application writes data beyond the bounds of a heap-allocated buffer. The out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent heap metadata or object pointers used by the application.
An attacker who controls the overflow contents can manipulate program flow and execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Because Animate typically runs as a standard desktop user, the attacker inherits that user's privileges, file access, and network reach.
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. A victim must open the malicious file, which is consistent with phishing campaigns that deliver Animate project files (.fla, .xfl) or referenced assets through email or trusted file-sharing services.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of size or boundary information during heap buffer operations in Animate's file parser. The parser allocates a buffer based on one length value but copies data using a different, attacker-controlled value, producing the overflow condition characteristic of [CWE-122].
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious Animate file containing manipulated structures that trigger the overflow during parsing. The attacker delivers the file via phishing, drive-by download, or shared project repositories. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable Animate build, the overflow executes attacker-controlled code.
The vulnerability mechanism is described in the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-31. No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is available at the time of publication.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27199
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Animate.exe on Windows or Adobe Animate on macOS, particularly shells, scripting interpreters, or rundll32.exe
- Adobe Animate writing executable files or scripts to user-writable directories such as %TEMP%, %APPDATA%, or ~/Library/Application Support
- Animate process making outbound network connections to untrusted hosts shortly after opening a project file
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process lineage where Adobe Animate is the parent of non-standard child processes
- Alert on Animate crash events followed by suspicious file or registry modifications, which may indicate exploitation attempts
- Inspect inbound email and file-sharing channels for Animate project files (.fla, .xfl, .swf) from external or untrusted senders
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable endpoint telemetry that captures process creation, command-line arguments, and file writes for Adobe Animate installations
- Correlate Animate execution events with user file-open activity to identify suspicious project files
- Track Animate version inventory across endpoints to confirm patch deployment
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27199
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Animate to the fixed versions listed in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-31
- Inventory all endpoints running Animate 24.0.7, 23.0.10, or earlier and prioritize them for patching
- Restrict opening of Animate project files from untrusted sources until patches are applied
- Educate users on the risk of opening unsolicited .fla or .xfl files
Patch Information
Adobe released patched versions of Animate addressing this heap-based buffer overflow. Refer to Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-31 for the specific fixed build numbers and download links for both Windows and macOS installers.
Workarounds
- Run Adobe Animate under a standard user account without administrative privileges to limit the impact of exploitation
- Block delivery of Animate project files through email gateways when policy allows
- Use application allowlisting to prevent child processes from being spawned by Animate
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
