CVE-2022-38440 in Dimension
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2022
Adobe Dimension versions 3.4.5 is affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability when parsing a crafted file, which could result in a read past the end of an allocated memory structure. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code 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 • 11/09/2022
Adobe Dimension version 3.4.5 contains a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation during file parsing operations. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes a specially crafted file that contains malformed data structures, causing the parsing routine to attempt reading memory beyond the allocated buffer limits. This memory access violation creates a predictable exploitation vector that can be leveraged by threat actors to gain unauthorized code execution privileges within the victim's system context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's file parser failing to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. When Dimension encounters the malicious file, the parsing logic executes without adequate bounds checking, leading to a situation where memory reads extend beyond the legitimate data structure boundaries. This condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability requires user interaction for exploitation, meaning that victims must manually open the crafted file, which aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for 'User Execution: Malicious File' as the initial compromise vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it represents a significant escalation path for attackers who may already have access to the target environment. Successful exploitation could enable threat actors to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads through the compromised Dimension application. The out-of-bounds read condition creates a stable exploitation environment that can be reliably reproduced, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects a creative software application that users frequently interact with, increasing the potential attack surface and attack frequency. The memory corruption aspect of the flaw means that exploitation could potentially lead to system instability or complete application crashes, providing attackers with additional opportunities to maintain persistence or conduct further reconnaissance activities.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of Adobe Dimension where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted files, particularly those originating from external sources or unknown origins. Network-based detection measures can be enhanced to identify suspicious file patterns or payloads that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive security assessments of all systems running affected software versions, with particular attention to user access controls and privilege management. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be enforced across all creative software applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, as this represents a common class of memory safety issues that frequently appear in software applications.