CVE-2022-30657 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 Use-After-Free 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 use-after-free vulnerability that presents significant security risks for end users. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of specific file formats and occurs when the software attempts to access memory that has already been freed during normal operation. The flaw manifests when processing maliciously crafted files that trigger improper memory management behavior within the application's parsing routines. The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. Such memory corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, effectively providing attackers with complete control over the affected system.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires social engineering tactics to convince victims to open malicious files, making it a targeted attack vector rather than an automated threat. This user interaction requirement places the vulnerability in the context of phishing campaigns or malicious document delivery methods that leverage the trust users place in legitimate office applications. Attackers can craft specially formatted InCopy documents that, when opened, trigger the memory management error and subsequently execute malicious payloads. The attack chain typically involves the initial compromise through document delivery followed by the exploitation of the use-after-free condition to gain code execution privileges. This vulnerability represents a prime example of how office productivity applications remain attractive targets for attackers due to their widespread use and the trust placed in their legitimate functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user compromise to potentially affect entire organizational infrastructures. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the current user, enabling them to install additional malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The affected versions of InCopy are widely deployed in creative agencies, publishing houses, and media organizations where document collaboration is essential, making these environments particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, intellectual property theft, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring physical access or network-level privileges, amplifying the security implications for affected enterprises.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected InCopy installations to version 17.3 or 16.4.2, which contain the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted documents. Network-level controls such as email filtering and web proxy configurations can help reduce the likelihood of users encountering malicious documents. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions and establish monitoring procedures for suspicious file access patterns. The remediation process should include user awareness training to help identify potential social engineering attempts and establish clear protocols for handling suspicious documents. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior associated with memory corruption exploits and provide early warning of potential compromise attempts.