CVE-2022-28834 in InCopy
Summary
by MITRE • 09/11/2023
Adobe InCopy versions 17.1 (and earlier) and 16.4.1 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
Adobe InCopy applications suffer from a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation within the software's file processing mechanisms. This flaw exists in versions 17.1 and earlier, as well as 16.4.1 and earlier, where the application fails to properly bounds-check memory operations when parsing specially crafted input files. The vulnerability manifests when the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating a condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer. This particular flaw represents a classic buffer overflow scenario where the application's memory management routines do not adequately verify that write operations remain within the confines of allocated memory regions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires social engineering tactics to convince users to open malicious files, making it a user-interaction dependent exploit that fits within the ATT&CK framework's initial access phase under technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain full control over affected systems. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised environments. The fact that the vulnerability affects multiple versions of Adobe InCopy increases the attack surface significantly, as organizations with legacy software deployments remain at risk. This issue particularly affects creative professionals who frequently handle various file formats, making them prime targets for targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to the latest versions of Adobe InCopy where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement robust email filtering and endpoint protection solutions to prevent users from opening suspicious files. Security teams should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of only opening files from trusted sources and maintaining awareness of social engineering tactics. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping software updated and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits that target creative applications commonly used in professional environments.