CVE-2019-7969 in Photoshop CC
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Photoshop CC versions 19.1.8 and earlier and 20.0.5 and earlier have a type confusion vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2020
Adobe Photoshop suffers from a critical type confusion vulnerability that affects multiple versions including 19.1.8 and earlier releases as well as 20.0.5 and earlier versions. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of data types during object manipulation within the application's memory management system. The flaw occurs when the software processes certain image files that contain malformed or crafted data structures, leading to situations where the application incorrectly interprets the type of data it is working with. This type confusion manifests when the program attempts to execute operations on objects that are not of the expected type, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the purview of CWE-466, which specifically addresses type confusion issues in software implementations. When Photoshop encounters specially crafted input files, the application's internal type checking mechanisms fail to properly validate object types before performing operations on them. This allows attackers to manipulate the program flow by forcing the application to treat one data type as another, potentially leading to memory corruption and unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal file processing operations, making it accessible to attackers who might send malicious files via email or other means.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7969 extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios as it represents a significant threat to creative professionals and organizations that rely heavily on Adobe Photoshop for their work. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of Photoshop, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Organizations using Photoshop in professional environments face heightened risk since these applications are frequently used to process files from external sources, increasing the attack surface for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Photoshop installations to version 19.1.9 or 20.0.6, which contain the necessary fixes for the type confusion issue. Security administrators should implement strict file validation procedures and consider sandboxing Photoshop executions to limit potential damage from successful attacks. Network-based mitigations could include filtering suspicious file types and implementing email security measures to prevent malicious files from reaching end users. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust type checking and memory safety practices in application development, aligning with industry best practices outlined in secure coding standards that emphasize proper input validation and type safety mechanisms to prevent similar issues in future software releases.