How severe is CVE-2021-28571?

CVE-2021-28571 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-28571 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-28571?

CVE-2021-28571 affects Adobe After Effects. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-28571?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-28571 published?

CVE-2021-28571 was published on 2021-09-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-28571

CVE-2021-28571 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe After Effects with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.3)
CVSS v2: 7.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (86th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-78
Affected product: Adobe After Effects
Published: 2021-09-08
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Adobe After Effects version 18.1 (and earlier) is affected by a potential Command injection vulnerability when chained with a development and debugging tool for JavaScript scripts. 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 file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-28571?: Adobe After Effects version 18.1 (and earlier) is affected by a potential Command injection vulnerability when chained with a development and debugging tool for JavaScript scripts. 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 file.
How severe is CVE-2021-28571?: CVE-2021-28571 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-28571 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-28571?: CVE-2021-28571 affects Adobe After Effects. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-28571?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-28571 published?: CVE-2021-28571 was published on 2021-09-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/ee/security/products/after_effects/apsb21-33.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:after_effects:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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