CVE-2019-7842 in Media Encoder
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Media Encoder version 13.0.2 has a use-after-free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
Adobe Media Encoder version 13.0.2 contains a critical use-after-free vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users who process multimedia content. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The flaw manifests when the application handles certain media files or processing operations that trigger improper memory management during object destruction. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely through crafted media files that, when processed by the vulnerable software, cause the application to free memory associated with specific objects and subsequently attempt to access that same memory location. This creates a predictable exploitation vector that adversaries can leverage to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it enables attackers to gain full control over affected systems running Adobe Media Encoder 13.0.2. The attack surface is broad since Media Encoder is commonly used for processing various media formats including video, audio, and image files, making it a prime target for attackers who can deliver malicious payloads through compromised media files. From an attack technique perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow adversaries to execute commands on the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Media Encoder is widely deployed for content creation and processing workflows, as it could serve as an initial access point for broader network infiltration.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free flaw involves improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation sequences within the application's multimedia processing engine. When Media Encoder processes specific file formats or encounters certain processing conditions, it may allocate memory for objects representing media components, then free that memory as part of normal operation, but fail to properly nullify pointers or track object references. Subsequent code paths that attempt to access the freed memory locations result in undefined behavior that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory areas with malicious code. The vulnerability is especially severe because it does not require user interaction beyond opening or processing the malicious file, making it a passive threat that can compromise systems without direct user involvement.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to Adobe Media Encoder version 13.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the use-after-free condition. System administrators should implement network segmentation and file validation controls to prevent unauthorized media files from reaching systems running vulnerable versions of the software. Additional mitigations include deploying application whitelisting solutions to restrict execution of unauthorized Media Encoder versions, implementing strict file format validation for incoming media content, and monitoring for unusual process behavior or network connections that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust patch management processes, as it represents a clear example of how seemingly isolated application flaws can create significant security risks in multimedia processing environments. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.