CVE-2025-49561 Overview
CVE-2025-49561 is a Use After Free vulnerability [CWE-416] affecting Adobe Animate versions 23.0.12, 24.0.9, and earlier. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning a victim must open a malicious file crafted by an attacker. Adobe published the issue through Security Advisory APSB25-73 on August 12, 2025. The flaw impacts Animate installations on both Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS platforms.
Critical Impact
Arbitrary code execution under the current user's privileges when a victim opens a malicious Animate file.
Affected Products
- Adobe Animate 23.0.12 and earlier
- Adobe Animate 24.0.9 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS installations of Animate
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-12 - CVE-2025-49561 published to NVD
- 2025-08-14 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-49561
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a Use After Free condition [CWE-416] in Adobe Animate. The application references memory after it has been freed, allowing an attacker to influence the contents of that memory region. When Animate later operates on the dangling pointer, execution can be redirected to attacker-controlled data. The result is arbitrary code execution within the security context of the user running Animate. Because Animate typically runs with standard user privileges, the impact aligns with the privileges of the logged-in account.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper management of object lifetimes during file parsing. Animate frees an internal object but retains a pointer to it, then dereferences that pointer when processing subsequent data inside a malicious file. Adobe has not published detailed internal component information beyond the advisory APSB25-73.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted Animate project or asset file through phishing, web download, or removable media. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable version of Animate, the parsing logic triggers the Use After Free condition. The attack vector is local with low attack complexity and no privileges required prior to user interaction. No proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available, and the issue is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No verified exploitation code is publicly available. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-73 for vendor technical references.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49561
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Animate.exe or the macOS Animate binary, such as command shells, PowerShell, or scripting hosts
- Animate process crashes or abnormal exits immediately after opening files received via email or download
- Outbound network connections initiated by the Animate process to untrusted hosts
- Newly created executables or scripts in user-writable directories following Animate file open events
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process lineage for Adobe Animate spawning interpreters, shells, or LOLBins
- Hunt for .fla, .xfl, or other Animate project files originating from email attachments or web downloads then opened from temporary directories
- Inspect endpoint telemetry for memory access violations and exception handlers triggered inside the Animate process
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track installed Animate versions across the fleet and flag any host running 23.0.12, 24.0.9, or earlier
- Alert on Animate file opens from network shares, USB drives, or browser download folders
- Forward endpoint and EDR telemetry to a centralized data lake for retrospective hunting against newly discovered indicators
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49561
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Adobe Animate security updates referenced in advisory APSB25-73 on all Windows and macOS hosts
- Inventory creative workstations and prioritize patching for users who routinely process external Animate files
- Restrict opening of Animate project files from untrusted sources until patching is complete
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed versions through Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-73. Administrators should upgrade Animate to the patched releases identified in that bulletin. The advisory is the authoritative source for fixed build numbers and download links.
Workarounds
- Block delivery of Animate project files at the email gateway when they originate from external or untrusted senders
- Run Animate under standard user accounts to limit the blast radius of code execution
- Educate users to avoid opening unsolicited .fla or .xfl files and to verify file provenance before opening
# 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.
