CVE-2018-4927 in InDesign
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe InDesign versions 13.0 and below have an exploitable Untrusted Search Path vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to local privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2020
Adobe InDesign versions 13.0 and earlier contain a critical untrusted search path vulnerability that allows attackers to escalate privileges locally on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms, where the software searches for required libraries in predictable locations without adequate validation of the source or integrity of these components. The flaw resides in the application's execution environment where it fails to implement proper security controls when resolving library dependencies, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject unauthorized code into the privilege execution context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses situations where applications search for libraries or executables using paths that can be manipulated by attackers. When Adobe InDesign executes, it follows a predetermined search order for dynamic link libraries that includes directories such as the current working directory, system paths, and user-defined locations. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before legitimate system libraries, causing the application to load and execute unauthorized code with the privileges of the user running InDesign. This behavior creates a pathway for privilege escalation since the application typically runs with elevated permissions or can be leveraged to gain higher privileges through the execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it represents a significant vector for persistent compromise of systems where Adobe InDesign is installed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish footholds within enterprise environments, particularly in creative workflows where InDesign is commonly used across multiple user accounts. The vulnerability affects both individual workstations and shared environments where multiple users may have access to the same application installation, creating potential for widespread compromise. Organizations using Adobe InDesign in production environments face elevated risk of lateral movement attacks, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with elevated privileges to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or deploy additional malware payloads.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through Adobe's official patches and updates, as the vendor has addressed this issue in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement strict path control measures by configuring the Windows library search order to prioritize system directories over user-defined locations, thereby reducing the attack surface for untrusted search path exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized binaries, enabling Windows Defender Application Control or similar technologies to prevent execution of unsigned or untrusted DLLs, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potentially compromised installations. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual library loading activities or unexpected privilege escalation events. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper library resolution mechanisms as outlined in the software security principles of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence through legitimate system tools.