CVE-2020-9684 in Photoshop
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Photoshop versions Photoshop CC 2019, and Photoshop 2020 have an out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2020
Adobe Photoshop versions Photoshop CC 2019 and Photoshop 2020 contain a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that represents a severe security risk for users of these applications. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can occur when software attempts to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers. The flaw manifests within the image processing functionality of Photoshop, particularly when handling malformed or specially crafted image files that trigger the vulnerable code path during file parsing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. When Photoshop processes a maliciously crafted image file, the application fails to properly validate buffer boundaries during image data parsing, enabling an attacker to write data beyond intended memory limits. This condition can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file transfers, where a user might inadvertently open a malicious file. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal user interaction with image files, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, system monitoring, or further network infiltration. The attack surface is broad since Photoshop is widely used across multiple industries including graphic design, photography, and multimedia production, making numerous organizations potential targets. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation often involves executing malicious code within the application context. The risk is compounded by the fact that Photoshop is frequently used to process files from untrusted sources, creating numerous potential entry points for attackers.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including prompt application updates from Adobe to address this vulnerability, as well as network segmentation and file validation measures to prevent unauthorized file execution. Security teams should monitor for suspicious file access patterns and implement sandboxing techniques for image file processing. Regular security awareness training for users on the dangers of opening unknown image files is essential, as social engineering remains a primary attack vector. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and thorough input validation in multimedia applications, particularly those handling untrusted binary data formats. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing this type of vulnerability.