CVE-2021-40786 Adobe Premiere Elements M4A file memory corruption vulnerability could lead to arbitrary code execution

High 7.8 Published 16 Mar 2022 Updated 23 Apr 2025

A memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe Premiere Elements allows arbitrary code execution via a malicious M4A file, requiring user interaction.

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-2021-40786?

CVE-2021-40786 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe Premiere Elements, published on 16 Mar 2022. 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 Premiere Elements 20210809.daily.2242976 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability due to insecure handling of a malicious file, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability.

Weakness: CWE-119, CWE-788

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-40786?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Adobe Premiere Elements.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40786?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-40786 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-2021-40786 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-40786 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-hx7r-c7p3-rhvg.