CVE-2016-7886 in InDesign
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe InDesign version 11.4.1 and earlier, Adobe InDesign Server 11.0.0 and earlier have an exploitable memory corruption vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
Adobe InDesign and InDesign Server products contain a critical memory corruption vulnerability that stems from improper handling of malformed input data during document processing operations. This vulnerability exists within the software's parsing mechanisms for specific file formats, particularly affecting the handling of embedded objects and complex document structures. The flaw manifests when the application processes specially crafted input that triggers an out-of-bounds write condition in memory, allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation involves heap corruption that can be exploited through memory manipulation techniques.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious document or file that, when opened or processed by the vulnerable InDesign application, triggers the memory corruption state. The attack vector typically involves social engineering tactics where users are convinced to open malicious files, or automated exploitation through web-based delivery mechanisms. Once successful, the vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially allowing full system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203 and T1059, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code and establish persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7886 extends beyond immediate exploitation, as it affects creative professionals and publishing workflows that rely heavily on Adobe InDesign for document preparation and layout design. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk when processing documents from untrusted sources, including suppliers, clients, or third-party vendors. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where InDesign applications are deployed. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability when assessing their attack surface, particularly in environments where document processing automation is common. The memory corruption nature of this flaw means that even indirect exploitation paths through document preview or import functions can be leveraged by attackers, making comprehensive protection measures essential.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Adobe's security patches, restricting user privileges when processing documents, and implementing content filtering mechanisms for incoming documents. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious document processing activities can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software inventory and vulnerability management processes, as this flaw affects multiple product versions and deployment scenarios. Security controls should include mandatory application whitelisting for InDesign and related processes, along with regular security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities in creative software suites that may present similar attack surfaces.