CVE-2011-2443 in Photoshop Elements
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Adobe Photoshop Elements 8.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .grd or (2) .abr file, a related issue to CVE-2010-1296.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2025
Adobe Photoshop Elements version 8.0 and earlier contains multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities that arise from insufficient input validation when processing specially crafted .grd and .abr file formats. These vulnerabilities represent a critical security flaw in the application's file parsing mechanisms, where the software fails to properly bounds-check data structures during file loading operations. The buffer overflows occur when the application attempts to read and process maliciously constructed gradient (.grd) and color palette (.abr) files, which are commonly used within the Photoshop ecosystem for storing visual styling information and color configurations.
The technical nature of these vulnerabilities stems from improper memory management during file parsing, where fixed-size buffers are overwritten with data exceeding their allocated capacity. This memory corruption typically manifests when the application encounters malformed data within the .grd or .abr file headers or data sections. The flaw falls under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by crafting malicious files that contain oversized data structures or malformed headers that trigger the buffer overflow during file processing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows for both denial of service conditions and potential code execution, making it a significant threat vector for remote attackers.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond simple application crashes, as they create opportunities for remote code execution on vulnerable systems. When exploited, these buffer overflows can cause unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, and potentially full system compromise. The attack surface is broad since .grd and .abr files are legitimate Photoshop elements that users might encounter in email attachments, file sharing environments, or web-based content. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1059, which involves command and control through application layer protocols. The risk is particularly elevated in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of Adobe Photoshop Elements to versions that address these buffer overflow conditions, as well as implementing strict file validation policies for potentially malicious file types. Organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish robust file handling procedures that prevent automatic execution of unknown file types. Security teams should also implement application whitelisting controls to restrict execution of vulnerable software and ensure that users are educated about the risks of opening untrusted files. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that no legacy installations of vulnerable software remain within the network infrastructure, as these create persistent attack vectors for adversaries seeking to leverage the buffer overflow conditions for broader system compromise.