CVE-2021-42738 Adobe Prelude MXF File Parsing Memory Corruption Arbitrary Code Execution

High 7.8 Published 22 Nov 2021 Updated 23 Apr 2025

Attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening a malicious MXF file in Adobe Prelude.

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-2021-42738?

CVE-2021-42738 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe Prelude, published on 22 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 Prelude version 10.1 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability due to insecure handling of a malicious MXF 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-2021-42738?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Adobe Prelude.

How do I fix CVE-2021-42738?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-42738 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-2021-42738 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-42738 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-p28m-984w-v8w8.