# CVE-2026-21287: Adobe Substance3D Stager use-after-free

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-21287-adobe-substance3d-stager-use-after-free  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-01-13. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-21287 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-01-13

Substance3D Stager is Adobe's 3D asset preparation tool used by designers and artists. A use-after-free vulnerability in versions 3.1.5 and earlier allows arbitrary code execution when a user opens a malicious file, potentially compromising creative projects and system access.

Technologies: [Adobe Substance 3d Stager](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/substance-3d-stager), [Adobe Substance3D Stager](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/substance3d-stager), [Apple macOS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/macos), [Microsoft Windows](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows). Vendors: [Adobe](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/adobe), [Apple](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/apple), [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-21287 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-21287 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-21287?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 13 January 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Adobe Substance3D Stager 3.1.5 and earlier.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-21287?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-21287 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-21287?** Check whether you run Adobe Substance 3d Stager, Adobe Substance3D Stager, Apple macOS or one of the others listed at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in Substance3D Stager versions 3.1.5 and earlier, where freed memory is incorrectly accessed during file processing. The attack requires local user interaction—specifically opening a specially crafted file. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. The vulnerability is classified as high severity (CVSS 7.8), though no active exploitation in the wild has been reported at time of disclosure.

## Affected products

- Adobe Substance3D Stager 3.1.5 and earlier

## Timeline

- 2026-01-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/substance3d_stager/apsb26-09.html](https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/substance3d_stager/apsb26-09.html)

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