CVE-2020-24422 in Creative Cloud Desktop Application
Summary
by MITRE • 10/22/2020
Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application version 5.2 (and earlier) and 2.1 (and earlier) for Windows is affected by an uncontrolled search path vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-24422 affects Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application on Windows platforms, specifically versions 5.2 and earlier, as well as version 2.1 and earlier. This represents a critical security flaw that resides within the application's handling of file paths during the installation or update process. The vulnerability manifests as an uncontrolled search path issue that allows malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior by placing specially crafted files in strategic locations within the system's search path.
This security weakness falls under the CWE-428 category of Uncontrolled Search Path, which is a well-documented vulnerability pattern that occurs when an application searches for files or libraries in directories that are not properly controlled or validated. The vulnerability specifically impacts how the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application resolves file locations during its operation, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious code that will execute with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The attack requires user interaction through opening a malicious file, making it a type of social engineering exploit that relies on user trust and behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have elevated access to corporate resources. When a user opens a malicious file, the application's improper path resolution allows the attacker's code to be executed in the context of the current user session, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further attack escalation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a specific user action, which means that while it is not automatically exploitable, it represents a persistent threat that can be delivered through various vectors including email attachments, malicious downloads, or compromised websites.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the latest version of Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application, which addresses this vulnerability through proper path validation and controlled search path implementation. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of not opening suspicious files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from untrusted sources, as the attack vector relies heavily on social engineering to succeed.