CVE-2020-9573 in Illustrator
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Illustrator versions 24.0.2 and earlier have a memory corruption vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2020
Adobe Illustrator version 24.0.2 and earlier contains a memory corruption vulnerability that represents a critical security risk for users who process untrusted or malformed files. This vulnerability falls under the category of heap-based buffer overflows and memory corruption flaws that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user's privileges. The flaw occurs when the application processes specially crafted input files that trigger improper memory handling during the parsing of vector graphics elements. Such memory corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and potentially redirect program execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability is classified as a heap buffer overflow according to CWE-122, which specifically addresses insufficient restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer. This type of flaw is commonly exploited in the context of zero-day attacks where adversaries craft malicious files designed to trigger the buffer overflow during normal application operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the Illustrator application, which typically runs with the user's current permissions. This can lead to complete system compromise if users have administrative privileges or if the application is used in enterprise environments where sensitive data is processed. The attack surface is particularly broad since Illustrator is commonly used for processing design files from various sources including client submissions, stock graphics, and collaborative projects. The vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where users frequently open files from unknown or untrusted sources, as the exploitation can occur simply through normal file opening procedures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing with malicious attachments, as attackers can craft malicious Illustrator files to deliver payloads through social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of all affected Illustrator installations to version 24.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary memory safety improvements and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and consider deploying sandboxing solutions for processing untrusted design files. Network-based defenses can include filtering of file extensions and implementing content inspection systems that can detect potentially malicious Illustrator files. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening files from untrusted sources remains critical, as social engineering remains a primary attack vector for exploiting such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and the need for robust input validation in creative software applications that process complex file formats. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security fixes across enterprise environments.