CVE-2019-7992 in Photoshop CC
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Photoshop CC versions 19.1.8 and earlier and 20.0.5 and earlier have an out of bound write vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
Adobe Photoshop CC suffers from a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that affects versions 19.1.8 and earlier, as well as 20.0.5 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of malformed image files, specifically within the parsing logic for certain image formats that Photoshop supports. The flaw manifests when the application processes specially crafted input files that contain malformed data structures, causing the software to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption vulnerability represents a classic software security flaw that aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning as it can be triggered through the normal file opening process, making it accessible to attackers who can entice users to open maliciously crafted image files. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Photoshop application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during image file parsing operations. Attackers can craft malicious image files that contain oversized or malformed data structures which Photoshop's parser fails to properly validate before attempting to write to memory locations. This particular flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and input validation, where the application assumes certain data sizes or structures without proper verification. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that attackers can leverage to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially including return addresses or function pointers. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code through the compromised Photoshop process. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by Photoshop's widespread use in creative industries where users frequently open files from unknown sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where Photoshop is commonly used for graphic design and image processing tasks. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns that distribute malicious image files disguised as legitimate design assets, making the attack vector particularly insidious. Once executed, the arbitrary code could establish persistent backdoors, download additional malware, or provide attackers with complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects both the professional and consumer versions of Photoshop, increasing the potential attack surface significantly. Organizations using Photoshop for document review or digital asset management are particularly at risk, as these workflows often involve opening files from external sources without proper security screening. The exploitability of this vulnerability means that even a single compromised file could lead to widespread system compromise across an organization, making it a critical security concern for IT security teams.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch management, as Adobe has released security updates addressing the issue in later versions of Photoshop. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that include automated scanning of image files before opening them in Photoshop, particularly for files received from external sources or unknown origins. Security teams should consider deploying sandboxing solutions that isolate Photoshop execution environments to contain potential exploitation attempts. Network-based protections such as intrusion prevention systems can be configured to detect and block known malicious file patterns associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of only opening image files from trusted sources and implementing proper file verification procedures. Regular security assessments should include testing for the presence of vulnerable Photoshop versions within the organization's environment, as the vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it a high-priority target for attackers. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.