CVE-2022-30638 in Illustrator
Summary
by MITRE • 09/07/2023
Adobe Illustrator versions 26.0.2 (and earlier) and 25.4.5 (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 • 04/22/2025
Adobe Illustrator contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation within its file parsing mechanisms. This flaw exists in versions 26.0.2 and earlier, as well as 25.4.5 and earlier, where the application fails to properly validate array indices when processing specially crafted vector graphics files. The vulnerability manifests when the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer, creating conditions that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code. The flaw resides in the application's handling of embedded metadata or specific vector path structures within ai files, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires social engineering through user interaction, specifically targeting the opening of a maliciously crafted ai file. This attack vector aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and demonstrates how file format vulnerabilities can be leveraged in targeted campaigns. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability maps to CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) and CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, indicating the fundamental nature of the memory safety issue. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Illustrator's widespread use in creative industries where users frequently open files from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain persistent access to victim systems through the Illustrator application context. The affected versions represent a significant attack surface since Illustrator is commonly used in professional environments where users may encounter compromised files through collaborative workflows or third-party content. This vulnerability could be particularly dangerous in corporate settings where Illustrator is used for design work, as attackers could target creative teams through poisoned design assets. The memory corruption resulting from this out-of-bounds write creates opportunities for privilege escalation scenarios, especially when users operate with elevated permissions during design processes.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected Adobe Illustrator versions to address the underlying memory safety issues. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all design assets, particularly those originating from external sources or collaborative platforms. Security teams should consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to restrict execution of untrusted ai files, while also monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regular security assessments of creative software suites should include vulnerability scanning for similar memory corruption issues, as these types of flaws often indicate broader architectural weaknesses in file processing components. Network segmentation and endpoint protection measures can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.