CVE-2022-28853 in InDesign
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2022
Adobe InDesign versions 16.4.2 (and earlier) and 17.3 (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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2022
Adobe InDesign software contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users of affected versions. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the application's handling of specific file formats, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input data can cause the software to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw exists in the parsing logic that processes certain document elements, allowing attackers to manipulate memory allocation patterns through carefully constructed file content. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only user interaction to exploit, making it highly practical for social engineering attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate array indices or buffer sizes when processing complex document structures. When a user opens a maliciously crafted InDesign file, the software's internal memory management routines execute code that writes data beyond the intended memory allocation. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures or execute arbitrary instructions, depending on how the memory layout is manipulated. The exploit requires the user to open the file, which means that successful exploitation depends on the attacker's ability to convince the target to interact with the malicious content. This user interaction requirement makes the vulnerability more difficult to exploit at scale but still poses a substantial risk in targeted attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could install malware, modify or delete sensitive documents, access confidential information, or even establish persistent backdoors within the user's environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that InDesign is commonly used in creative workflows and professional environments where users may be less cautious about opening unknown files. The vulnerability affects both version 16.4.2 and earlier releases as well as version 17.3 and earlier, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple product generations. Organizations using these software versions face significant risk, especially in environments where users have the ability to open files from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and operational security measures. Adobe has released patches addressing this issue in later versions of InDesign, and system administrators should prioritize applying these updates to all affected systems. In addition to patching, organizations should implement strict file validation policies, including content scanning and user education about the risks of opening untrusted files. Network-based protections such as email filtering and web proxies can help prevent users from accessing malicious files through common attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including initial access through malicious files and execution through legitimate program execution paths. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unapproved software and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other applications. The security community should monitor for any related exploitation attempts and maintain awareness of potential variants or similar vulnerabilities in other Adobe products.