CVE-2022-38415 in InDesign
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2022
Adobe InDesign versions 16.4.2 (and earlier) and 17.3 (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 • 10/19/2022
Adobe InDesign suffers from a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability designated as CVE-2022-38415 affecting versions 16.4.2 and earlier, as well as 17.3 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of specially crafted files that trigger memory corruption during processing. The flaw manifests when the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries in heap memory, creating conditions where malicious code could be executed with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, representing a critical memory safety issue that enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially manipulate program execution flow. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires social engineering tactics to convince victims to open malicious files, making it a targeted attack vector that leverages user interaction as a prerequisite for successful compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given InDesign's role in professional creative workflows where users frequently handle files from various sources, including external collaborators and online repositories. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling initial access through malicious file delivery, while also potentially supporting privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms once executed. The heap overflow occurs during document parsing operations where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to craft input data that exceeds the intended buffer capacity, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the application's file parsing routines, specifically when processing certain document elements that trigger buffer allocation and subsequent data writing operations. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the vulnerability can potentially be chained with other exploits to achieve more sophisticated attack objectives including system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations utilizing Adobe InDesign should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability represents a significant risk to creative workflow environments where document security is paramount. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker crafting a malicious InDesign document with oversized data structures designed to trigger the buffer overflow upon opening, making user awareness and security training essential components of defense strategy. This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in software security where complex applications like InDesign require extensive input validation and memory management controls to prevent such critical flaws from being exploited in real-world scenarios.