CVE-2022-30660 in InDesign
Summary
by MITRE • 06/16/2022
Adobe InDesign versions 17.2.1 (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 • 06/16/2022
Adobe InDesign software contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that affects versions 17.2.1 and earlier, as well as 16.4.1 and earlier releases. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed input data within specially crafted files, creating an opportunity for attackers to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of document elements within InDesign's file processing pipeline. When a user opens a maliciously crafted file, the application fails to properly validate array bounds or memory allocation limits, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory space. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures or function pointers, ultimately enabling remote code execution under the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The attack requires user interaction through file opening, making it a client-side exploitation vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate user execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the target environment. Since InDesign is commonly used in creative workflows and professional publishing environments, attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise design studios, advertising agencies, or publishing houses where such software is prevalent. The vulnerability's exploitation requires social engineering to trick users into opening malicious files, but once executed, it can provide attackers with complete control over the affected system. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that allows for reliable exploitation across different system configurations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory software updates to the latest InDesign versions that address this vulnerability, along with enhanced user awareness training to prevent accidental file execution. Network-based protections such as email filtering and web proxy rules can help prevent initial delivery of malicious files. System hardening measures including restricted user permissions and application whitelisting should be implemented to limit potential damage. Additionally, monitoring for unusual file access patterns and memory allocation anomalies can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping creative software suites updated, as these applications often process untrusted content from multiple sources and represent attractive targets for attackers seeking to compromise creative industry environments.