CVE-2019-7974 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. 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 the application's failure to properly validate type information when processing certain image files, creating conditions where memory corruption can occur. When the application processes maliciously crafted input files, it may incorrectly interpret data types, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. This type confusion vulnerability falls under the CWE-843 category, which specifically addresses the use of objects of the wrong type. The flaw represents a critical security risk because it can be exploited remotely through crafted file uploads or downloads, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Photoshop is commonly used for graphic design and image editing tasks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that Photoshop is widely used across multiple industries, making it an attractive target for threat actors. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Photoshop should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches to mitigate this risk. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique, which involves the use of application execution commands, and T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be used to establish persistent access to compromised systems through the installation of backdoors or other malicious payloads. The technical complexity of the flaw makes it challenging to detect through conventional security measures, requiring specialized monitoring and patch management procedures. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping creative software applications up to date, as these tools often handle complex data processing that can be exploited through memory corruption flaws. The type confusion issue specifically affects Photoshop's handling of image file parsing routines, where the application fails to properly distinguish between different data structures during processing operations.
The exploitation of CVE-2019-7974 requires attackers to craft specific image files that trigger the type confusion condition within Photoshop's memory management system. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and object-oriented programming concepts, where the application's type checking mechanisms fail to properly validate object integrity. The flaw can be triggered through various file formats that Photoshop supports, including but not limited to psd, tiff, and jpeg files. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, the consequences can be severe, potentially allowing for complete system compromise and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability's classification as a type confusion issue means that it represents a fundamental flaw in how the application manages memory objects, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability can be particularly challenging to defend against because it operates at a low level within the application's core processing functions. The remediation process requires immediate patch deployment from Adobe, as there are no reliable workarounds available for this particular flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management procedures to ensure timely patch deployment across all affected systems. The vulnerability's presence in both major version lines of Photoshop indicates a systemic issue that requires careful attention to the application's memory management practices. This flaw underscores the importance of regular security assessments and the need for robust software supply chain security measures. The ATT&CK framework's classification of this vulnerability helps security teams understand the attack patterns and develop appropriate defensive strategies. The technical nature of this vulnerability means that traditional network-based security controls may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, requiring more sophisticated endpoint protection measures.
Organizations that have not yet updated their Photoshop installations face significant risk exposure due to the persistence of this vulnerability in widely used software versions. The exploitation of CVE-2019-7974 can result in unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, particularly in creative agencies and design firms that heavily rely on Photoshop for their operations. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it especially dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently open malicious files from email attachments or web downloads. Security teams should prioritize the remediation of this vulnerability as part of their overall security posture assessment, given its classification as a critical threat. The complexity of the type confusion flaw means that organizations cannot rely solely on network monitoring to detect exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may not generate obvious network traffic patterns. The vulnerability's impact on user productivity and organizational security makes it essential to implement immediate patch management procedures. Adobe's security advisory for this vulnerability provides specific guidance on affected versions and recommended mitigation steps that organizations should follow. The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates the need for better software quality assurance processes in creative applications, particularly those that handle complex file formats and data structures. Regular security training for users on recognizing potentially malicious file attachments becomes crucial when dealing with vulnerabilities of this nature. The vulnerability's presence in Photoshop highlights the broader challenge of securing creative software applications that process large amounts of user-generated content and external data sources. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially vulnerable software versions. The remediation of this vulnerability requires coordination between IT security teams and end-user departments to ensure complete coverage of all affected systems and users.