CVE-2020-9731 in InDesign
Summary
by MITRE
A memory corruption vulnerability exists in InDesign 15.1.1 (and earlier versions). Insecure handling of a malicious indd file could be abused to cause an out-of-bounds memory access, potentially resulting in code execution in the context of the current user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9731 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Adobe InDesign 15.1.1 and earlier versions that demonstrates the inherent risks associated with improper input validation and memory management in desktop publishing software. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes malicious indd files, which are the native file formats used by Adobe InDesign for storing document data. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly validate the structure and content of incoming file data, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execution flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes in memory operations. When a malicious indd file is opened, the application's parser does not adequately verify array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations, allowing an attacker to craft specific file structures that trigger memory corruption. This memory corruption can manifest as either read or write operations beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability's exploitation requires social engineering to deliver the malicious file, as users must actively open the crafted indd document for the attack to succeed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations that rely heavily on Adobe InDesign for creative workflows and document management. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that InDesign is commonly used in professional environments where users frequently exchange files with external collaborators or download content from untrusted sources. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, establish persistent access, or escalate privileges within the target environment. The impact extends beyond individual user compromise to potentially affect entire creative workflows and document integrity within organizations.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for PowerShell and the T1068 technique for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies including email filtering, file validation, and user education programs. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, as Adobe has released security updates to address this issue. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting user permissions can help mitigate the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the broader challenge of securing creative software applications that must process complex file formats while maintaining robust memory safety mechanisms.