CVE-2019-7972 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 type confusion vulnerability that arises when the application improperly handles data types during processing operations. This flaw exists in versions 19.1.8 and earlier as well as 20.0.5 and earlier of the software. The vulnerability stems from insufficient type checking mechanisms within the application's parsing logic, particularly when handling malformed image files or specific data structures. When Photoshop encounters certain crafted inputs, it fails to properly validate the expected data types, leading to a scenario where memory is accessed using incorrect type assumptions. This type confusion allows an attacker to manipulate the application's internal state by forcing it to interpret data as different types than originally intended. The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-843, which specifically addresses type confusion issues where an attacker can cause a program to execute code by manipulating data type assumptions. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides a pathway for remote code execution, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious image files that trigger the type confusion during file parsing, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious file sharing platforms where users might open crafted Photoshop files. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including initial access through malicious files and execution through code injection. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that Photoshop is widely used across creative industries and professional environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources. The type confusion occurs at the memory management level where the application's object-oriented design fails to maintain proper type safety during dynamic operations. This allows attackers to manipulate pointers and memory locations in ways that would normally be prevented by proper type checking. The risk is particularly high in enterprise environments where Photoshop is commonly used for image processing and graphic design work, making it a prime target for sophisticated attack campaigns. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a critical security risk that could be leveraged for persistent threats and advanced persistent threat campaigns. The remediation strategy should include immediate deployment of Adobe's security patches along with network segmentation and file validation measures to prevent exploitation attempts.