CVE-2022-30645 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 suffers from a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that exists in versions 26.0.2 and earlier, as well as 25.4.5 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs when the application processes maliciously crafted files, particularly those containing specially crafted vector graphics or embedded content that triggers memory corruption during rendering operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only user interaction through opening a malicious file, making it susceptible to social engineering attacks where users might unknowingly open compromised documents.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition where the application writes data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers. When Illustrator processes the malicious file, the parsing routine fails to properly validate input data lengths, allowing an attacker to craft input that exceeds the intended buffer size. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program structures or function pointers. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The attack vector requires user interaction through opening a file, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for user execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Adobe Illustrator for graphic design and document creation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability affects both the current user context and the broader system security posture, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. Organizations using affected versions of Illustrator should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat, especially in environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources or collaborate on shared design projects.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Adobe Illustrator versions to the latest releases that contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies and user education programs to prevent opening suspicious or unverified files. Network security controls such as email filtering and web application firewalls should be configured to block potentially malicious documents from entering the network. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software can provide an additional layer of protection. Organizations should also consider segmenting network access to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish incident response procedures to quickly address any suspected compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the critical need for comprehensive security awareness training to prevent social engineering attacks that exploit user interaction requirements.