CVE-2022-30643 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 versions 26.0.2 and earlier, as well as 25.4.5 and earlier, contain a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability designated as CVE-2022-30643 that presents a significant security risk to users. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists within the application's handling of specially crafted files, particularly those involving vector graphics processing and manipulation. When a user opens a maliciously crafted file, the vulnerability can be triggered through improper bounds checking during file parsing operations, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires social engineering tactics to convince a victim to open a malicious file, making it a user-interaction dependent attack vector. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1203, which involves exploitation of a software vulnerability through user interaction. The out-of-bounds write condition occurs when Illustrator processes certain elements within the file structure, specifically within the vector graphics rendering pipeline where memory allocation for processing paths, shapes, and other graphical elements becomes insufficient to handle the malicious input. The vulnerability allows for memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a critical escalation path for attackers seeking persistent access to compromised systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to install malware, establish backdoors, or perform other malicious activities without requiring elevated privileges beyond what the user already possesses. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Illustrator is widely used in creative industries and design environments where users frequently open files from external sources, making it a prime target for targeted attacks. Organizations using affected versions of Illustrator should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat due to its potential for remote code execution and the relatively low barrier to exploitation through social engineering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-30643 should include immediate application of Adobe's security patches and updates to the latest versions of Illustrator that address this specific vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict file validation procedures and consider deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate Illustrator execution environments. Network-level protections such as email filtering and web content filtering can help prevent users from inadvertently opening malicious files. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security awareness training can reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation through social engineering attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits that target creative software applications commonly used in professional environments.