CVE-2021-43012 Adobe Prelude M4A file memory corruption vulnerability could lead to remote code execution

High 7.8 Published 16 Nov 2021 Updated 23 Apr 2025

An attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution by tricking a user into opening a malicious M4A 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-2021-43012?

CVE-2021-43012 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Adobe Prelude, published on 16 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) are affected by a memory corruption vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious M4A file.

Weakness: CWE-119, CWE-788

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-43012?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Adobe Prelude.

How do I fix CVE-2021-43012?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-43012 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-2021-43012 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-43012 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-36m2-6ffw-3pwx.