CVE-2019-8247 in Illustrator CC
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Illustrator CC versions 23.1 and earlier have a memory corruption vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
Adobe Illustrator CC version 23.1 and earlier contains a memory corruption vulnerability that represents a critical security flaw with significant operational implications. This vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow according to CWE-122. The flaw occurs when the application processes certain malformed input files, specifically those containing crafted embedded content or vector graphics elements that trigger improper memory handling during parsing operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the software's memory management routines, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures through carefully constructed malicious files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Illustrator files may be shared across networks or received through email attachments. Attackers can craft malicious Illustrator files that, when opened by an affected version of the application, cause memory corruption that allows arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the application. This represents a classic sandbox escape scenario where the application's security boundaries are breached, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could lead to execution of malicious payloads within the application context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user systems to encompass enterprise security postures where creative workflows often involve extensive file sharing and collaboration. Organizations using Adobe Illustrator in professional environments face heightened risk of targeted attacks, particularly in sectors where design files contain sensitive information or where attackers might leverage the vulnerability to establish persistent access through compromised design workflows. The vulnerability affects users across multiple operating systems including windows macos and linux platforms where Adobe Illustrator is installed, making it a widespread concern for security teams managing diverse computing environments. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through automated delivery mechanisms such as phishing campaigns or compromised web services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8247 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Adobe Illustrator installations to version 23.2 or later, which contains the necessary memory safety improvements. Organizations should implement file validation procedures for incoming Illustrator files, particularly those received through untrusted sources or shared via collaborative platforms. Network security measures including email filtering and web proxy configurations can help prevent delivery of malicious files to end users. Additionally security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software and monitor for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping creative software up to date and implementing comprehensive security controls for applications that process external content, as these tools often represent overlooked attack vectors in enterprise security programs.