CVE-2019-8253 in Photoshop CC
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Photoshop CC versions before 20.0.8 and 21.0.x before 21.0.2 have a memory corruption vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2019
Adobe Photoshop contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that affects users running versions prior to 20.0.8 and 21.0.2. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of malformed input data during image processing operations, creating a condition where attacker-controlled memory contents can overwrite critical program structures. The flaw manifests when the application processes specially crafted image files that trigger buffer overflow conditions in memory management routines. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow by overwriting return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the Photoshop process. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing of image metadata and embedded content, particularly affecting TIFF and PSD file formats. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious image files that, when opened by an affected Photoshop version, cause the application to execute unintended code. The exploitability of this vulnerability increases significantly when users open untrusted image files, as the application lacks adequate input validation and memory bounds checking. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow privilege escalation if the user has elevated system permissions. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to creative professionals and organizations that rely heavily on image editing workflows, as the attack vector requires only the simple act of opening a malicious file. The affected versions include multiple release streams of Photoshop CC, making the vulnerability widespread across various deployment scenarios. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering campaigns targeting users who might inadvertently open malicious image files. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent potential compromise of creative work environments. The remediation involves updating to Adobe Photoshop CC 20.0.8 or 21.0.2, which includes memory safety improvements and enhanced input validation mechanisms. Network defenders should monitor for suspicious file opening activities and implement file type restrictions to limit exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the persistent challenges in image processing software where complex file format parsers create numerous attack surfaces. Security teams must consider this vulnerability within the broader context of application sandboxing and privilege separation strategies. The flaw highlights the importance of regular security updates and the potential consequences of delayed patch management in creative software environments. Organizations should implement comprehensive security awareness training to reduce the risk of social engineering exploitation. This vulnerability type represents a common pattern in multimedia processing applications where format parsing logic fails to properly validate input boundaries. The memory corruption characteristics align with traditional buffer overflow exploitation techniques that have been documented across various software platforms. Modern exploit mitigation techniques such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention may provide partial protection but cannot fully prevent exploitation of this particular vulnerability. The incident underscores the critical need for robust software security practices throughout the development lifecycle, particularly in applications that process untrusted input data.