CVE-2020-9650 in Media Encoder
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Media Encoder versions 14.2 and earlier have an out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
Adobe Media Encoder contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that affects versions 14.2 and earlier, representing a significant security risk within the multimedia processing ecosystem. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing specially crafted media files, particularly those containing malformed metadata or embedded code structures. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the running application. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can result in memory corruption and subsequent code execution. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious media files that trigger the vulnerable code path during file processing, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides adversaries with a pathway to establish persistent access within environments where Adobe Media Encoder is utilized. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically involving the simple opening or processing of a maliciously crafted file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where media processing workflows are common. Organizations using older versions of Adobe Media Encoder face elevated risk, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to bypass traditional security controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or systems. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of malicious code through media processing applications, and represents a common vector for initial access and privilege escalation within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9650 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by Adobe. Organizations should prioritize updating to Adobe Media Encoder version 14.3 or later, which includes fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing strict file validation protocols and sandboxing mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface, while network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security teams should also consider monitoring for suspicious file processing activities and implementing automated threat detection systems that can identify anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software across all media processing applications, as these tools often handle untrusted input from multiple sources and represent common attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries seeking to establish persistent access within target environments.