CVE-2015-3111 in Photoshop CC
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3111 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting Adobe Photoshop CC versions prior to 16.0 and Adobe Bridge CC versions prior to 6.11. This flaw exists within the software's handling of certain file formats and processing operations that involve heap memory allocation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking when processing malformed input data, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures through carefully crafted malicious files. The flaw operates at the application level where Adobe's image processing libraries fail to properly validate the size and structure of data elements during file parsing operations, particularly when dealing with complex image formats that utilize heap-based memory management techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves attackers exploiting the lack of proper input validation in Adobe's image processing pipeline, specifically within the heap memory allocation routines used for handling various file formats including but not limited to psd, tiff, and other raster image formats. When the vulnerable software processes maliciously crafted files, the buffer overflow occurs during memory allocation operations where insufficient checks allow data to be written beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a well-established class of memory safety issues that have been documented in numerous security advisories and exploit frameworks. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where users are tricked into opening maliciously crafted files, though direct exploitation may also occur through web-based attack scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3111 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass significant security risks for enterprise environments and individual users. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically running with user-level permissions. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely heavily on creative software workflows, particularly those using Adobe Photoshop and Bridge for professional image processing tasks, making it attractive to threat actors targeting creative industries and design firms. The attack surface is particularly concerning as these applications are frequently used to process files from external sources, including client submissions, stock photography, and collaborative design projects, creating numerous potential entry points for exploitation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Adobe Creative Suite products across enterprise environments, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access points or escalate privileges through chained exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3111 should prioritize immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, with Adobe releasing security updates specifically addressing the heap overflow conditions in affected versions. Organizations should implement comprehensive application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software, particularly in environments where Adobe products are used extensively. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls can help identify and block attempts to deliver malicious payloads through web-based attack vectors. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected Adobe software across the enterprise and establish monitoring procedures for suspicious file processing activities. The remediation approach should include regular security updates, user education programs to recognize social engineering attempts, and implementation of sandboxing techniques for file processing operations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing file validation controls that scan and verify file integrity before processing, particularly for files received from external sources or untrusted networks, aligning with defense-in-depth principles recommended by cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.