CVE-2026-48347 Overview
Adobe Animate contains an OS command injection vulnerability [CWE-78] that allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements passed to operating system commands. Attackers must convince a victim to open a crafted malicious file to trigger the vulnerability. Successful exploitation results in a scope change, meaning the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component.
The vulnerability affects Adobe Animate on both Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS platforms. Adobe published a security advisory (APSB26-83) addressing the issue.
Critical Impact
Arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, with scope change extending impact beyond the Animate process boundary.
Affected Products
- Adobe Animate (see vendor advisory APSB26-83 for exact versions)
- Apple macOS
- Microsoft Windows
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-14 - CVE-2026-48347 published to NVD
- 2026-07-16 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-48347
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified as OS Command Injection [CWE-78], where Adobe Animate fails to properly neutralize special characters in data passed to operating system command interpreters. When a user opens a specially crafted file, embedded content can break out of intended argument boundaries and execute attacker-controlled commands.
The scope change indicator reflects that a successful exploit affects resources beyond the vulnerable Animate process. Code executes with the privileges of the user running Animate, which on typical creative workstations includes broad access to project files, credentials, and network resources.
Exploitation is not automatic. The attacker must deliver a malicious project or asset file and convince the target to open it in Animate. Common delivery vectors include phishing emails, watering-hole downloads, and shared collaboration platforms used by design teams.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient input sanitization before values derived from file contents are incorporated into OS command strings. Special shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, $(), and backticks are not stripped or escaped, allowing an attacker to append additional commands to a legitimate invocation.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires high privileges plus user interaction. An attacker crafts a malicious Animate file containing embedded command payloads. The victim opens the file, and Animate processes the file contents through a command-invoking function without sanitization, executing the attacker's payload under the current user context.
No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability. Refer to the Adobe Animate Security Advisory for authoritative technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-48347
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Animate.exe on Windows or the Animate binary on macOS, especially cmd.exe, powershell.exe, /bin/sh, bash, or osascript.
- Animate project files (.fla, .xfl) received from untrusted sources or containing unusual embedded metadata.
- Outbound network connections initiated shortly after opening an Animate document.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process creation events where the parent process is Adobe Animate and the child is a shell interpreter or scripting engine.
- Alert on Animate writing to autorun locations, scheduled task directories, or user startup folders.
- Correlate file-open telemetry for Animate documents originating from email attachments or browser downloads with subsequent suspicious process activity.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line auditing (Windows Event ID 4688 with command-line logging, or macOS Endpoint Security framework events) to capture full arguments of processes spawned by Animate.
- Ingest endpoint process telemetry into a centralized data lake to enable retrospective hunting once new indicators emerge.
- Track user-agent patterns and download provenance for .fla and related Animate file formats reaching creative workstations.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-48347
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Adobe security update referenced in APSB26-83 to all systems running Adobe Animate.
- Instruct users not to open Animate files received from untrusted or unverified sources.
- Inventory Animate installations across Windows and macOS endpoints to confirm patch coverage.
Patch Information
Adobe released a patch documented in security bulletin APSB26-83. Administrators should consult the advisory for the specific fixed versions on Windows and macOS, then deploy through Adobe Creative Cloud or enterprise software distribution tools.
Workarounds
- Restrict opening of Animate files to those originating from verified internal sources or trusted collaborators.
- Run Adobe Animate under standard user accounts without administrative privileges to limit the blast radius of successful exploitation.
- Use application allowlisting to block shell interpreters from being launched as child processes of Animate where feasible.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
