CVE-2020-9687 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 memory corruption. The flaw occurs when the application processes certain image files, particularly those with malformed or maliciously crafted structures that trigger improper memory handling during the parsing process. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations and enabling arbitrary code execution. The security implications are severe as this vulnerability can be leveraged through social engineering techniques where users unknowingly open malicious image files, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and creative environments where image files are frequently shared and opened. The vulnerability exists in the image parsing and processing components of Photoshop, specifically within the handling of specific file formats that may be encountered during normal usage scenarios. Attackers can craft specially designed image files that, when opened by an affected version of Photoshop, trigger the out-of-bounds write condition and subsequently execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of PowerShell or other command-line interpreters, as the exploitation often involves command execution capabilities. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential privilege escalation and system compromise, as Photoshop typically runs with user-level privileges but can access sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects users who regularly handle image files from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments or when processing images received from external parties. Organizations should consider implementing strict file validation policies and user education programs to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2020-9687 requires careful crafting of image files that can trigger the memory corruption behavior within Photoshop's image parsing engine. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the processing of image metadata and pixel data structures, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully constructed file parameters. When Photoshop attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, it can overwrite critical program structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other control flow information. This memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect program execution to attacker-controlled code, effectively enabling remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a legitimate application that users expect to be safe, making detection and prevention more challenging. The out-of-bounds write condition typically manifests when Photoshop encounters malformed or oversized data structures within image files, particularly in formats such as psd, tiff, or other supported image types. The exploitation process often involves creating a payload that, when processed by Photoshop, triggers the memory corruption and subsequently executes malicious code. This vulnerability represents a classic example of a heap-based buffer overflow that can be exploited through carefully crafted input data, making it a significant concern for users who handle image files from unknown or untrusted sources.
Organizations and individual users must implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to protect against exploitation of CVE-2020-9687. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the latest security patches provided by Adobe, which address the underlying memory handling issues in the image processing components. System administrators should ensure that all Photoshop installations are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may be affected. Network security measures such as email filtering and web content filtering can help prevent the delivery of malicious image files to users, reducing the attack surface. Users should be educated about the risks of opening image files from unknown sources and encouraged to verify file integrity before processing. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized software and using sandboxing techniques to isolate Photoshop execution from critical system resources. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current security awareness practices, as many successful attacks exploit user behavior rather than purely technical vulnerabilities. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement incident response procedures that account for potential exploitation scenarios. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify additional vulnerabilities in image processing workflows and ensure that protective measures remain effective against evolving threats. The remediation process should also include verification that all affected systems have been properly updated and that no legacy installations remain that could be exploited.