CVE-2020-3772 in Photoshop CC 2019
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 versions 20.0.8 and earlier, and Photoshop 2020 versions 21.1 and earlier have a buffer errors vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2020
Adobe Photoshop contains a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that affects multiple versions of the software including Photoshop CC 2019 versions 20.0.8 and earlier, as well as Photoshop 2020 versions 21.1 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data during the processing of specific file formats, creating a condition where an attacker can write beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to parse malformed input data, particularly within image processing routines that handle various file formats including but not limited to psd, psb, and tiff files. The root cause aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The technical impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote code execution without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Attackers can craft malicious files that, when opened by an unpatched version of Photoshop, will trigger the buffer overflow and enable them to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. This creates a significant risk for graphic designers, photographers, and creative professionals who frequently handle files from untrusted sources, as opening a single compromised image file could result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is further amplified by the widespread adoption of Adobe Photoshop across creative industries and enterprise environments, where the software is often used to process files from external sources such as stock photo websites, client submissions, and collaborative projects. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face a high risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of all affected systems with the latest Adobe security updates, followed by comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential compromise. Additionally, implementing network segmentation, email filtering, and user education about the risks of opening untrusted files can help mitigate the exploitation risk. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise such as unusual network connections, unexpected process execution, and file modifications that may indicate successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping creative software updated, as these applications often process complex binary data structures that can contain numerous attack vectors. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of creative workflows should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other commonly used applications within the creative industry.