CVE-2026-47908 Overview
CVE-2026-47908 affects Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop versions 21.7 and earlier. The vulnerability stems from an Access of Uninitialized Pointer condition [CWE-824] that can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction: a victim must open a malicious file crafted by the attacker.
The issue carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 and has been disclosed in Adobe Security Bulletin APSB26-62. There is no public proof-of-concept exploit, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog at this time.
Critical Impact
A successful attack grants arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user, enabling installation of malware, data theft, or further lateral movement.
Affected Products
- Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop version 21.7
- Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop versions earlier than 21.7
- Windows and macOS installations of Dreamweaver Desktop
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-09 - CVE-2026-47908 published to NVD
- 2026-06-10 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-47908
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw is classified under [CWE-824] Access of Uninitialized Pointer. Dreamweaver Desktop dereferences a pointer that was never initialized to a valid memory location during the parsing of a specially crafted file. When the application accesses memory through this pointer, the contents are attacker-influenced or undefined.
An attacker who controls the surrounding heap layout can position controlled data at the address read by the uninitialized pointer. The application then uses that controlled value as a function pointer, object reference, or data structure, leading to arbitrary code execution under the current user account.
Because exploitation occurs entirely on the local machine and runs at user-level privileges, the impact scales with the rights held by the victim. Developers working on Dreamweaver projects often run with elevated workstation privileges, increasing post-exploitation value.
Root Cause
The root cause lies in file-parsing logic that allocates a structure but fails to initialize one of its pointer members before use. When a malformed project, template, or web asset file reaches the vulnerable code path, the uninitialized pointer is dereferenced, exposing control flow to attacker-supplied memory contents.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local with required user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious Dreamweaver-compatible file via email, web download, shared storage, or a compromised project repository. The victim opens the file in Dreamweaver Desktop, triggering the vulnerable parser and the subsequent uninitialized pointer dereference.
No network access to the host is required, and no prior authentication to the application is needed. Refer to the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB26-62 for vendor-confirmed technical scope.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-47908
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Dreamweaver.exe such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or scripting engines.
- Dreamweaver process crashes accompanied by Windows Error Reporting entries referencing access violations on read operations.
- Suspicious file writes to user profile directories or startup locations immediately after Dreamweaver opens a third-party file.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for process lineage where Dreamweaver.exe is the parent of interpreters, shells, or rundll32.exe.
- Alert on Dreamweaver loading unsigned DLLs or DLLs from user-writable paths.
- Inspect newly opened files by Dreamweaver that arrived through email attachments, browser downloads, or removable media within the prior 24 hours.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward endpoint telemetry covering process creation, image loads, and file opens for hosts running Dreamweaver.
- Track outbound network connections initiated by Dreamweaver.exe or by processes it spawns.
- Correlate crash events on Dreamweaver with subsequent persistence indicators such as scheduled tasks or registry Run-key modifications.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-47908
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Dreamweaver Desktop to the fixed version identified in Adobe Security Bulletin APSB26-62.
- Inventory all endpoints running Dreamweaver 21.7 or earlier and prioritize patching for developer and content-creation workstations.
- Instruct users to avoid opening Dreamweaver project files, templates, or assets received from untrusted senders.
Patch Information
Adobe published the fix in security bulletin APSB26-62. Apply the vendor-supplied update through the Creative Cloud desktop application or the enterprise deployment workflow used by your organization. Validate the installed version after patching to confirm remediation.
Workarounds
- Restrict Dreamweaver execution to standard user accounts to limit post-exploitation impact.
- Use application control policies to block Dreamweaver from launching shells, interpreters, or unsigned binaries.
- Quarantine inbound Dreamweaver-associated file types at the email gateway pending patch deployment.
# Configuration example: query installed Dreamweaver version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Dreamweaver" /s /v Version
# macOS: check installed Dreamweaver version
defaults read "/Applications/Adobe Dreamweaver 2021/Adobe Dreamweaver 2021.app/Contents/Info.plist" CFBundleShortVersionString
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
