CVE-2020-9685 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 significant 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 result in arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs when the application processes certain image files, particularly those containing malformed or specially crafted data structures that trigger memory corruption during parsing operations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by preparing malicious image files that, when opened by an affected version of Photoshop, cause the application to write data beyond the bounds of allocated memory buffers. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be weaponized in various threat campaigns. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during image file parsing, particularly when handling specific metadata or image format elements. The flaw allows attackers to craft specially formatted image files that, when processed by Photoshop, can overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into opening malicious files, or through automated exploitation in web-based environments where Photoshop is used for image processing. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Photoshop in creative industries and professional environments where users may be less security-conscious about opening unknown image files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Photoshop versions to address the underlying out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized image processing applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through manipulation of application memory, and represents a classic example of how file format vulnerabilities can be leveraged for privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, and conduct regular security assessments to ensure all Photoshop installations are properly updated. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of only opening image files from trusted sources and maintaining current software versions to protect against known exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in multimedia processing applications, where malformed data can lead to severe security consequences.