CVE-2019-8246 in Media Encoder
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Media Encoder versions 13.1 and earlier have an out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
Adobe Media Encoder version 13.1 and earlier contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users of this multimedia processing software. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer. The flaw exists within the application's handling of multimedia files, particularly when processing malformed or specially crafted input files that trigger memory corruption during the encoding process. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by preparing a malicious media file that, when opened or processed by Adobe Media Encoder, causes the application to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple arbitrary code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the target system. When successfully exploited, the out-of-bounds write allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Adobe Media Encoder might be used to process untrusted media files from external sources, making it a prime target for supply chain attacks or targeted exploitation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns.
Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with the attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The exploitability of this vulnerability is heightened by the widespread use of Adobe Media Encoder across creative industries and enterprises, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to compromise user systems. The out-of-bounds write condition typically occurs during file parsing operations, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially redirect execution flow. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also ensuring that Adobe Media Encoder is kept up to date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing applications, as these tools often handle complex file formats that require extensive parsing and memory manipulation.