CVE-2020-9725 in Framemaker
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe FrameMaker version 2019.0.6 (and earlier versions) lacks proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. This could be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must open a malicious FrameMaker file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2020
Adobe FrameMaker version 2019.0.6 and earlier versions contain a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's data processing routines. This vulnerability exists in the software's handling of user-supplied data during file parsing operations, specifically when copying data to fixed-length stack-based buffers without proper bounds checking. The flaw represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when the application fails to validate the length of incoming data before performing memory operations. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices that has been consistently identified as a high-risk vulnerability type in industry security frameworks. The attack vector requires user interaction through the opening of a maliciously crafted FrameMaker file, making this a file-based exploitation scenario that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for Exploitation for Execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to perform adequate length validation checks before copying user-supplied data into stack buffers with predetermined sizes. When a malicious FrameMaker file is opened, the application processes the file content without sufficient boundary checking, allowing an attacker to provide data that exceeds the allocated buffer space. This overflow condition can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, and other critical control data structures. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious file that contains specially formatted data designed to overwrite the stack frame in a controlled manner, potentially allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, meaning successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise without requiring administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where users may inadvertently open malicious documents. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads within the victim's environment. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability less likely to be exploited at scale compared to fully automated attacks, but it remains a serious concern for targeted attacks against specific individuals or organizations. Organizations using Adobe FrameMaker in their workflows face potential exposure to remote code execution attacks that could result in data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in widely used enterprise software means that the attack surface is extensive, particularly in environments where document sharing and collaboration are common practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Adobe, as the vendor has released security updates addressing this specific issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive software update management processes to ensure all instances of FrameMaker are patched promptly. Additional defensive measures include user education programs to raise awareness about opening untrusted documents, implementation of application whitelisting policies, and network-based security controls such as email filtering and web proxies that can block potentially malicious FrameMaker files. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement proper incident response procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in various industry standards including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's software portfolio, as this type of buffer overflow represents a common attack pattern that affects numerous software applications across different platforms and vendors.