CVE-2019-7973 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 data types during object manipulation processes. This flaw exists in versions 19.1.8 and earlier as well as 20.0.5 and earlier, where the application fails to properly validate type information when processing certain file formats. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper type checking mechanisms that allow an attacker to manipulate object references in a way that causes the application to execute unintended code paths. When Photoshop processes malformed input data, the type confusion allows attackers to overwrite memory locations with malicious code pointers, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability represents a critical security risk as it can be exploited through crafted image files or documents that appear legitimate to users. The flaw specifically impacts the application's handling of structured data within image files, particularly when processing metadata or embedded objects that contain unexpected type information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principle of type confusion as classified under CWE-466 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. Attackers can craft malicious files that cause Photoshop to misinterpret the data type of an object, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and object-oriented programming concepts, where the application's type system becomes compromised due to insufficient validation of object identities. When the application attempts to perform operations on objects with mismatched type information, it can result in unexpected behavior that adversaries can manipulate for malicious purposes. This type confusion typically occurs during deserialization processes where objects are reconstructed from serialized data streams, and the application fails to enforce proper type boundaries. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Photoshop is commonly used to open various file formats including psd, tiff, and jpeg, making it a prime target for file-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential full system compromise when exploited in the context of targeted attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over a victim's system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms, or lateral movement within a network environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Photoshop's widespread use across creative industries, where users frequently open files from untrusted sources or receive documents through email attachments. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation allows for arbitrary command execution within the application's context. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction in many scenarios, as simply opening a malicious file can trigger the vulnerable code path. Organizations using affected versions of Photoshop face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users have limited security awareness or where the application is used to process files from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of Adobe Photoshop, as Adobe has released security updates addressing this specific issue. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms to isolate Photoshop execution from critical system resources. Network-based protections such as email filtering and web application firewalls can help prevent the delivery of malicious files to users. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing application control measures that restrict Photoshop execution to trusted environments. Regular security assessments should include verification of Photoshop installations to ensure all systems are running patched versions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust type safety mechanisms in software development and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation across all application components. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening untrusted files, particularly in creative workflows where the temptation to open unknown documents remains high.