CVE-2022-30656 in InCopy
Summary
by MITRE • 06/16/2022
Adobe InCopy versions 17.2 (and earlier) and 16.4.1 (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 • 06/17/2022
Adobe InCopy applications prior to versions 17.3 and 16.4.2 contain a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified as CVE-2022-30656 that presents significant security implications for end users. This vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the application's handling of malformed input files, specifically affecting the parsing of certain document structures that could be embedded within InCopy files. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating an opportunity for attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations and enabling code execution.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires social engineering tactics as users must actively open a maliciously crafted file to trigger the exploit, making it a user-interaction dependent vulnerability. This characteristic places the risk squarely on user awareness and security practices, as the attack vector relies on tricking individuals into opening compromised files rather than exploiting automated system vulnerabilities. Attackers could potentially distribute malicious InCopy documents through email attachments, compromised websites, or other means of file delivery that would appear legitimate to unsuspecting users. The attack scenario follows typical exploit chains where initial access is achieved through user interaction, followed by privilege escalation to execute malicious payloads within the application's memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain persistent access to affected systems, escalate privileges, or establish backdoors for continued unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects both InCopy versions 17.2 and earlier, as well as 16.4.1 and earlier, representing a substantial user base that requires immediate remediation efforts. From an attack surface perspective, this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of the current user, meaning that exploitation could lead to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration depending on the user's privileges and access rights. The issue demonstrates how desktop publishing applications, which often handle complex document formats, can become attack vectors for sophisticated cyber operations.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patch management to address this vulnerability, as Adobe has released updates to resolve the out-of-bounds write condition. Security teams must implement comprehensive user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks targeting this specific vulnerability, while also monitoring for potential exploitation attempts in their networks. The remediation process should include verifying that all affected InCopy installations have been updated to versions 17.3 or later, or 16.4.2 or later, respectively. Additional defensive measures may include implementing application whitelisting policies, restricting user permissions, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability may trigger requirements under various security frameworks including iso 27001, nist cyber security framework, and other regulatory standards that mandate timely vulnerability remediation to protect organizational assets and data integrity.