CVE-2022-28832 in InDesign
Summary
by MITRE • 09/11/2023
Adobe InDesign versions 17.1 (and earlier) and 16.4.1 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability when parsing a crafted file, which could result in a read past the end of an allocated memory structure. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
Adobe InDesign versions 17.1 and earlier as well as 16.4.1 and earlier contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability designated as CVE-2022-28832 that stems from improper memory handling during file parsing operations. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw manifests when the application processes a specially crafted InDesign file that triggers an invalid memory access pattern, potentially allowing an attacker to read data from adjacent memory regions that may contain sensitive information or executable code fragments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate input boundaries when parsing structured document formats. When a malicious file is opened, the parsing routine does not adequately check array indices or buffer limits, leading to memory access violations that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain code execution privileges. The attack requires social engineering or user interaction since victims must actively open the malicious file, making it a targeted attack vector rather than a fully automated exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise the entire user environment. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects both major release lines of Adobe InDesign, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple product versions that would require coordinated patching efforts across organizations using these applications. Organizations with extensive InDesign usage across creative workflows face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users might encounter malicious documents through email attachments, shared networks, or compromised software distribution channels.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Adobe's official security updates, as this vulnerability represents a high-severity threat requiring urgent attention. Organizations should implement additional security controls such as email filtering, application whitelisting, and user education to reduce the risk of successful exploitation. Network-based protections including intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious file access patterns. Regular security assessments of creative workflows and document handling procedures will help identify additional attack vectors that may compound the risk associated with this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include verification of patched installations and monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patch deployment.