How severe is CVE-2021-40754?

CVE-2021-40754 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-40754 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-40754?

CVE-2021-40754 affects Adobe After Effects. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40754?

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-2021-40754 published?

CVE-2021-40754 was published on 2021-11-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-40754

CVE-2021-40754 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe After Effects with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-119.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (81st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-119
Affected product: Adobe After Effects
Published: 2021-11-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Adobe After Effects version 18.4.1 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability due to insecure handling of a malicious WAV 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.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-40754?: Adobe After Effects version 18.4.1 (and earlier) is affected by a memory corruption vulnerability due to insecure handling of a malicious WAV 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.
How severe is CVE-2021-40754?: CVE-2021-40754 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-40754 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (81st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-40754?: CVE-2021-40754 affects Adobe After Effects. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40754?: 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-2021-40754 published?: CVE-2021-40754 was published on 2021-11-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/after_effects/apsb21-79.html

Affected products (1)

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

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