CVE-2021-40751 Adobe After Effects M4A File Parsing Memory Corruption Arbitrary Code Execution

High 7.8 Published 18 Nov 2021 Updated 23 Apr 2025

Attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening a malicious M4A file in Adobe After Effects.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-40751?

CVE-2021-40751 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe After Effects, published on 18 Nov 2021. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

Adobe After Effects version 18.4 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability due to insecure handling of a malicious .m4a file, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. User interaction is required in that the victim must open a specially crafted file to exploit this vulnerability.

Weakness: CWE-119, CWE-788

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-40751?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Adobe After Effects.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40751?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-40751 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2021-40751 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-40751 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Adobe After Effects vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-wpr8-fjvq-9g34.