CVE-2020-3780 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 in its handling of malformed image files that affects multiple versions including Photoshop CC 2019 versions 20.0.8 and earlier, and Photoshop 2020 versions 21.1 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking when processing specific image format elements, creating a condition where an attacker can craft malicious files that trigger memory corruption during image parsing operations. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to read or write data beyond allocated memory buffers, particularly in the handling of image metadata and embedded color profiles. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through improper input validation and memory management practices. The vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation and system compromise. When an attacker successfully triggers the buffer overflow, the application's memory management becomes corrupted, potentially allowing the execution of malicious code within the context of the Photoshop process. This creates a significant attack surface as Photoshop is commonly used for handling media files from various sources, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks through malicious image files delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The vulnerability's exploitation typically occurs during the image loading process when Photoshop attempts to parse and render the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources.
From an operational perspective, organizations using affected Photoshop versions face substantial risk due to the widespread adoption of this software across creative and design workflows. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation, especially when combined with other attack vectors. Security teams must consider the potential for zero-day exploitation and the difficulty in detecting such attacks, as malicious file delivery often occurs through legitimate communication channels that bypass traditional security controls. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where Photoshop is used extensively for graphic design, photo editing, and digital asset management, creating multiple potential entry points for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to sensitive networks. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching and implement additional security controls such as email filtering, web application firewalls, and user education programs to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Recommended mitigations include immediate deployment of Adobe's security patches for all affected versions, implementing strict file validation policies for image files, and conducting regular security assessments of creative workflows. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious file operations and memory access patterns. Additionally, organizations should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing potential exploitation of this vulnerability, including monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns and file access behaviors that may indicate compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security awareness training to prevent users from inadvertently executing malicious files through legitimate software applications.