CVE-2015-3110 in Photoshop CC
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Adobe Photoshop CC before 16.0 (aka 2015.0.0) and Adobe Bridge CC before 6.11 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
Adobe Photoshop CC version 16.0 and earlier, along with Adobe Bridge CC version 6.11 and earlier, contain a critical integer overflow vulnerability that enables remote code execution through unspecified attack vectors. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the software's handling of image data structures, specifically when processing malformed image files. The integer overflow occurs during memory allocation operations where the application fails to properly validate the size parameters of incoming data, leading to a situation where a crafted integer value exceeds the maximum representable value for the data type. This flaw falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves attackers crafting malicious image files that contain specially designed data structures which trigger the integer overflow condition. When the vulnerable software attempts to process these malformed files, the overflow causes memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected application. This represents a significant threat vector in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on Adobe Creative Suite applications. Attackers can exploit this weakness through various delivery mechanisms including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The vulnerability affects not only end-user systems but also enterprise environments where Photoshop and Bridge are commonly used for image processing workflows. Security researchers have noted that the exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction, often allowing for automated exploitation through web-based attacks. The integer overflow creates a predictable pattern of memory corruption that makes successful exploitation more reliable compared to other memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Adobe, which address the integer overflow by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file processing activities and implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted image files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation practices in software development, aligning with industry standards that recommend comprehensive testing of boundary conditions and proper handling of integer arithmetic operations. Additional protective measures include regular security assessments of creative suite applications and implementing security awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability.