CVE-2022-30650 in InCopy
Summary
by MITRE • 06/16/2022
Adobe InCopy versions 17.2 (and earlier) and 16.4.1 (and earlier) are affected by a Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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 • 06/17/2022
Adobe InCopy applications running version 17.2 and earlier, as well as version 16.4.1 and earlier, contain a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that presents a significant security risk. This flaw resides in the application's handling of specially crafted input files, specifically within the parsing mechanisms that process document content. The vulnerability manifests when the application attempts to read or process malformed data structures, causing memory allocation issues that can be exploited by malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program allocates memory on the heap and subsequently writes beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. In the context of Adobe InCopy, this typically happens during document processing when the application encounters unexpected or malformed data within a file structure. The heap overflow creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a critical escalation path for attackers who can leverage user interaction requirements to deliver malicious payloads. The necessity for user interaction through opening a malicious file creates a specific attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries rely on users to open compromised documents. This requirement means that successful exploitation depends on social engineering campaigns or supply chain compromises that can get users to open specifically crafted files designed to trigger the buffer overflow condition.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface analysis for creative software environments where users frequently handle third-party content. The impact of successful exploitation includes complete system compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement additional security controls such as email filtering, application whitelisting, and user education programs to reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust patch management processes to protect against known exploits that target creative suite applications commonly used in professional environments.