CVE-2023-29316 in InDesign
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2023
Adobe InDesign versions ID18.3 (and earlier) and ID17.4.1 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could lead to disclosure of sensitive memory. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to bypass mitigations such as ASLR. 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 • 07/12/2023
Adobe InDesign applications across multiple versions contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that fundamentally compromises system security through memory disclosure. This vulnerability exists within the application's handling of specific file formats and occurs when processing maliciously crafted input data. The flaw manifests as an improper bounds checking mechanism that allows the application to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that have plagued software development for decades. The vulnerability affects Adobe InDesign versions 18.3 and earlier, as well as version 17.4.1 and earlier, indicating this is a long-standing issue that has persisted across multiple release cycles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical information that can be leveraged to bypass modern exploit mitigations. When an attacker successfully exploits this out-of-bounds read, they can obtain sensitive memory contents that may include addresses of system libraries, stack pointers, or other critical data structures. This memory disclosure capability directly undermines Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) protections, which are fundamental security mechanisms designed to randomize memory layout and prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The ability to bypass ASLR significantly increases the success rate of subsequent exploitation attempts, as attackers can now determine the memory layout of the target process. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, though the actual exploitation likely involves more direct memory manipulation techniques.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that a victim must willingly open a malicious file for the attack to succeed. This user interaction requirement provides some defense in depth, as it prevents fully automated attacks and requires social engineering or other delivery mechanisms. However, the vulnerability remains highly concerning given that users may encounter such files through legitimate business documents, design assets, or other common file types. The attack surface is particularly broad since InDesign is widely used in creative industries and professional environments where users regularly handle various file formats from external sources. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where users may encounter compromised files through email attachments, shared network drives, or collaborative design platforms. The exploitation chain typically begins with the delivery of a malicious file through phishing campaigns, compromised software distribution channels, or other means of file delivery.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Adobe InDesign installations to prevent exploitation attempts. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing strict file validation procedures, deploying email filtering systems to block suspicious attachments, and conducting user awareness training to prevent accidental file execution. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts and monitor for unusual file access patterns. The vulnerability's impact on ASLR bypass capability makes it particularly dangerous in environments where other security controls may be present, as it can effectively neutralize these protections. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can execute on user systems, particularly in high-risk environments where the attack surface is more extensive. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the patching process has been completed successfully across all affected systems.