CVE-2012-5680 in Photoshop Camera Raw
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw before 7.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2021
Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw version 7.2 and earlier contains a buffer overflow vulnerability that could enable remote code execution when processing specially crafted image files. This vulnerability resides in the Camera Raw plugin's handling of image metadata and raw image data structures, specifically within the parsing logic for camera raw files. The buffer overflow occurs when the software attempts to read and process image data that exceeds predetermined memory boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code payloads.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of input data during the parsing of raw camera files, particularly when handling extended metadata fields and proprietary camera-specific data formats. Attackers can craft malicious image files that contain oversized data structures or malformed metadata entries that trigger the buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, specifically representing a classic stack-based buffer overflow that allows for arbitrary code execution. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into opening maliciously crafted camera raw files through Adobe Photoshop or other applications that utilize the Camera Raw plugin.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a remote code execution capability that can be exploited without user interaction in many scenarios. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects not only end users but also enterprise environments where Photoshop Camera Raw is widely deployed for image processing workflows. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that Camera Raw is frequently used in professional workflows and can be encountered in various legitimate contexts such as email attachments, web downloads, and file sharing platforms.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw to version 7.3 or later, which includes fixes for this buffer overflow vulnerability. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider restricting access to potentially malicious file types through network firewalls and email security solutions. Additional mitigations include disabling the Camera Raw plugin in applications where it is not required, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security assessments of image processing workflows. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical target for security hardening efforts in enterprise environments.