CVE-2020-3774 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.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2020
Adobe Photoshop versions 2019.0.8 and earlier, as well as Photoshop 2020 versions 21.1 and earlier contain a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that falls under CWE-121 buffer overflow conditions. This flaw exists within the application's handling of specific image file formats, particularly those involving malformed or maliciously crafted data structures. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during the processing of image metadata and embedded content, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory allocation and execution flow. When Photoshop attempts to parse oversized or improperly formatted data elements within image files, the application fails to validate input boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by adversaries. The buffer overflow occurs in the image parsing engine responsible for processing various file formats including but not limited to psd, psb, and tiff files that contain embedded data structures. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to users who frequently open or process images from untrusted sources, as the attack surface expands to include any workflow involving image file manipulation. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Photoshop, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system control. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through social engineering, as users may unknowingly trigger the exploit while opening seemingly benign image files. The vulnerability affects both desktop and mobile versions of the software, though the attack vectors may vary based on platform-specific parsing mechanisms. The root cause of this issue demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate memory management within the application's core image processing libraries.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-3774 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute malicious payloads that bypass standard security controls, including antivirus software and application whitelisting mechanisms. The exploit requires minimal user interaction, typically involving the simple act of opening a maliciously crafted image file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter such files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The buffer overflow allows for stack-based memory corruption that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the Photoshop process space. This vulnerability is especially concerning for creative professionals and organizations that handle large volumes of image files from external sources, as the attack surface is naturally large and difficult to monitor comprehensively. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a specially formatted image file that triggers the buffer overflow during parsing, followed by the execution of shellcode that can establish reverse shells or download additional malware components. Organizations using affected versions of Photoshop face potential data breaches, system compromise, and loss of intellectual property, particularly in industries such as advertising, media production, and design services where image files are frequently exchanged and processed. The vulnerability also presents challenges for security teams attempting to detect malicious activity, as legitimate Photoshop usage patterns may mask malicious file operations. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that Photoshop is commonly used by professionals who may not be security-aware, making them more susceptible to social engineering attacks that deliver malicious image files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-3774 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 version 20.0.9 or later, and Photoshop 2020 version 21.2 or later, which contain patches specifically designed to address the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement automated patch management systems to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability affects multiple product versions across different release cycles. Network-based mitigations include implementing file content inspection systems that can detect and block malicious image files before they reach end-user systems, particularly in environments where users have unrestricted internet access. Security teams should establish strict policies regarding image file handling, including mandatory scanning of all external image files and limiting the types of image formats that can be processed within sensitive environments. The implementation of application sandboxing and privilege separation can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation by limiting what malicious code can access on the compromised system. Regular security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted image files, as user behavior remains a critical factor in successful exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious Photoshop process behavior, including unusual memory allocation patterns or execution of unexpected code sequences. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly in applications that process complex file formats with extensive metadata structures. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of image processing components to identify similar buffer overflow conditions that may exist in other applications or plugins. Compliance with industry standards such as iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework should include specific controls for managing software vulnerabilities in creative applications, ensuring that image processing workflows maintain appropriate security controls. The remediation process should also include thorough testing of updated software to ensure that patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing workflows or third-party plugins that may be critical to business operations.