CVE-2006-0525 in Illustrator
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple Adobe products, including (1) Photoshop CS2, (2) Illustrator CS2, and (3) Adobe Help Center, install a large number of .EXE and .DLL files with write-access permission for the Everyone group, which allows local users to gain privileges via Trojan horse programs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
This vulnerability exists in multiple Adobe Creative Suite products including Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2, and Adobe Help Center where the installation process creates numerous executable and dynamic link library files with overly permissive access controls. The flaw specifically involves the installation routine granting write permissions to the Everyone group for critical system components, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers. This permission configuration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control enforcement. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-732 category of Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which directly relates to improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized modification of system files. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface where malicious actors can simply replace legitimate executable files with malicious Trojan horse programs, effectively bypassing normal security controls. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no network connectivity or remote exploitation capabilities, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability that can be leveraged by any user with access to the affected system. The impact extends beyond individual machines to potentially compromise entire corporate networks where Adobe products are widely deployed, as attackers can establish persistent backdoors through these modified files. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure default configurations that should never be present in production software installations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as privilege escalation through file permissions manipulation, specifically targeting the T1068 technique of exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor software installation security practices where critical system components are not properly protected against modification by unauthorized users. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability highlights the importance of proper file system permissions and access control lists in preventing local privilege escalation attacks. The affected Adobe products are particularly vulnerable because they are commonly installed on workstations and servers where users may have local access, making the exploitation surface much larger than typical software vulnerabilities. Organizations should immediately audit their Adobe product installations for files with excessive permissions and implement proper access control measures to prevent unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that software security cannot be assumed based on the vendor's reputation, as even well-established companies can ship products with fundamental access control flaws. The remediation process requires not only updating to patched versions but also ensuring that existing installations properly enforce access controls and that system administrators understand the importance of maintaining secure file permissions for critical system components. The vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive security testing during software development, particularly focusing on installation processes and file system access controls that could be exploited by local users. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to the same systems, as it provides a straightforward path for attackers to establish persistent access and potentially escalate privileges to system-level accounts. The security implications extend to compliance requirements where proper access controls and file permissions are mandatory for maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized modifications. Organizations should implement automated monitoring solutions to detect and alert on unauthorized changes to critical system files, particularly those with broad write permissions that could indicate exploitation attempts.