CVE-2019-7971 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 contains a type confusion vulnerability that arises from improper handling of object types during memory operations within the application's processing pipeline. This flaw exists in versions 19.1.8 and earlier as well as 20.0.5 and earlier, where the software fails to properly validate type information when processing certain image formats or data structures. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper type checking mechanisms that should occur during object manipulation, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout through crafted input files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a scenario where Photoshop's internal object model does not enforce strict type boundaries when processing complex image data. When parsing specific file formats or encountering malformed input, the application may incorrectly interpret memory locations as different data types than what they actually contain. This type confusion allows attackers to manipulate the execution flow by placing malicious code in memory locations that the application expects to contain specific data types, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution capabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical risk to users who regularly process images from untrusted sources or encounter files from unknown origins. Attackers can craft specially formatted image files that trigger the type confusion when opened or processed by Photoshop, potentially allowing remote code execution without user interaction. The impact extends beyond simple exploitation as this vulnerability can be leveraged in supply chain attacks where malicious actors distribute compromised image files that appear legitimate to end users.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-466, which describes the improper handling of type confusion in programming environments, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface that includes file format processing and memory corruption exploits. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching of affected versions and implementation of additional input validation measures to prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and file scanning mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.