CVE-2020-9652 in Premiere Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Premiere Pro versions 14.2 and earlier have an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
Adobe Premiere Pro version 14.2 and earlier contains a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users handling multimedia content. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, specifically addressing improper validation of array indices or buffer bounds. The flaw manifests when the application processes certain media files or project data structures that trigger memory access violations beyond allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability exists within the software's handling of media file parsing routines where insufficient input validation allows attackers to craft malicious files that cause the application to read memory locations outside intended buffer limits. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through crafted media files that appear legitimate to end users, making it difficult to detect and prevent.
The exploitation of this out-of-bounds read vulnerability creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution within the context of the running Premiere Pro process. When an attacker successfully triggers this condition, the application's memory management becomes compromised, allowing malicious code to be executed with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data corruption as it enables full system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. The flaw can be triggered through normal user interaction with media files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open or import multimedia content from untrusted sources. This vulnerability directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the application's execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability affects creative professionals and organizations that rely on Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing workflows. Users working with multimedia content from various sources face elevated risk when opening or importing files that may contain malicious payloads designed to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations with multiple users accessing shared media libraries or collaborative editing environments experience increased exposure as the attack surface expands. The vulnerability particularly impacts workflows involving third-party plugins or media import processes where additional parsing routines may be present. System administrators must consider the potential for lateral movement through compromised user sessions, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to sensitive project data and creative assets. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond normal software usage, making it a particularly insidious threat vector for enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism against this vulnerability. Adobe has released security updates addressing this issue in versions subsequent to 14.2, and organizations must prioritize updating their Premiere Pro installations to the latest secure versions. Network-based mitigations can include implementing content filtering solutions that scan media files for known malicious patterns, though this approach remains limited in effectiveness against zero-day exploitation attempts. Users should implement the principle of least privilege by running Premiere Pro with reduced system privileges when possible, limiting potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should establish robust media file validation processes, particularly for files sourced from external providers or untrusted origins. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can prevent unauthorized versions of Premiere Pro from executing on corporate networks, while regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning of multimedia processing workflows to identify potential exposure points. Regular employee training on recognizing potentially malicious media files and understanding the risks associated with opening files from unknown sources remains crucial for maintaining overall security posture.