CVE-2017-2886 in ACDSee Ultimate
Summary
by MITRE
A memory corruption vulnerability exists in the .PSD parsing functionality of ACDSee Ultimate 10.0.0.292. A specially crafted .PSD file can cause an out of bounds write vulnerability resulting in potential code execution. An attacker can send a specific .PSD file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2886 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within ACDSee Ultimate version 10.0.0.292, specifically affecting its handling of Photoshop Document format files. This issue manifests through the application's parsing functionality for .PSD files, which are widely used image formats in professional photography and graphic design workflows. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the software's image processing pipeline, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability classifies as an out-of-bounds write condition, which occurs when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries designated for a specific buffer or data structure. This memory corruption vulnerability arises during the parsing of maliciously crafted .PSD files that contain malformed data structures or oversized metadata fields. When the vulnerable application processes such files, it fails to properly validate the size parameters of various image components, leading to memory overwrite conditions that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The flaw operates at the intersection of improper input validation and buffer overflow conditions, making it particularly dangerous for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2886 extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for remote code execution on systems running the vulnerable software. Attackers can craft specially designed .PSD files that, when opened by a victim using ACDSee Ultimate, trigger the memory corruption and allow for arbitrary code injection. This presents significant risk in environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources, such as email attachments, file sharing platforms, or web downloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because .PSD files are commonly used in creative workflows and professional environments, increasing the attack surface and potential for successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected ACDSee Ultimate version, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and consider sandboxing mechanisms for image processing applications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting, though the primary exploitation vector involves direct memory corruption rather than script-based attacks. Security administrators should also consider network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious .PSD file patterns, while maintaining awareness of the broader threat landscape surrounding image format vulnerabilities that affect creative software applications.