CVE-2012-2052 in Photoshop
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the U3D.8BI library plugin in Adobe Photoshop CS5 12.x before 12.0.5 and CS5.1 12.1.x before 12.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Collada asset element in a DAE file, as demonstrated by the cameraYFov value in the contributor comments element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2052 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Adobe Photoshop CS5 and CS5.1 software versions. This security issue specifically affects the U3D.8BI library plugin which processes Collada DAE files containing 3D assets. The vulnerability manifests when the software encounters a malformed DAE file with an excessively long Collada asset element, particularly targeting the cameraYFov value within the contributor comments element. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory corruption issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw demonstrates how improper input validation in multimedia processing libraries can create dangerous attack vectors for remote exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper bounds checking within the U3D.8BI plugin when parsing DAE file structures. When Photoshop processes a malicious DAE file containing an oversized cameraYFov value in the contributor comments section, the software fails to validate the length of the input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and enabling control flow hijacking. The attack requires only that a user open a specially crafted DAE file, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through email attachments, web downloads, or other social engineering vectors. The exploit leverages the ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution by targeting the application's file parsing functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2052 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain complete system control. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects users who regularly process 3D assets or open files from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Photoshop is widely used for graphic design and media processing tasks. Organizations utilizing older versions of Photoshop CS5 and CS5.1 are especially vulnerable, as these versions lack the necessary input validation patches that would prevent the buffer overflow condition. The remote nature of the attack means that users need not be technically sophisticated to be compromised, as simply opening a malicious file can trigger the exploit.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2052 primarily involve immediate software updates and patch management procedures. Adobe released security updates for Photoshop CS5 12.0.5 and CS5.1 12.1.1 that address the buffer overflow vulnerability through enhanced input validation and proper bounds checking in the U3D.8BI plugin. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all instances of Photoshop are updated to secure versions. Additional defensive measures include restricting user permissions when processing external files, implementing sandboxing techniques for file handling operations, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file content patterns. Security professionals should also consider disabling or restricting the use of the U3D.8BI plugin in environments where it is not essential, as this reduces the attack surface for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of validating all external input data and implementing proper memory management practices in multimedia processing applications.