CVE-2016-4157 in Creative Cloud Desktop Application
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer in Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application before 3.7.0.272 on Windows allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse resource in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2022
The CVE-2016-4157 vulnerability represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application's installer component on Windows systems. This flaw exists in versions prior to 3.7.0.272 and creates a privilege escalation vector that adversaries can exploit through carefully crafted malicious resources placed in unspecified directories. The vulnerability stems from the installer's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search path used when locating required resources during the installation process, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject unauthorized code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installer's reliance on a predictable search order that does not adequately verify the authenticity or integrity of resources being loaded. When the installer processes installation components, it follows a specific path to locate necessary files, but this path includes directories that may be writable by unprivileged users. This design flaw allows local attackers to place malicious resource files in these directories, which the installer will then load and execute with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates under the principle of path traversal and resource injection, where the system's trust model is exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially install malicious software, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The privilege escalation occurs because the installer typically runs with elevated permissions to perform system-level operations, and the malicious resources are executed within this elevated context. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where Adobe Creative Cloud applications are widely deployed, as attackers who gain local access to systems can leverage this vulnerability to compromise entire networks through lateral movement and persistent access.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the issue of applications using search paths that contain untrusted directories. The attack pattern follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly those involving exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application version 3.7.0.272 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the untrusted search path issue. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify and remove any potentially compromised installation directories, and implement proper access controls to limit write permissions in system directories where installer components operate.