CVE-2023-48632 in After Effects
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2023
Adobe After Effects versions 24.0.3 (and earlier) and 23.6.0 (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 • 01/06/2024
Adobe After Effects is a professional video editing and compositing software widely used in creative industries for motion graphics and visual effects production. The vulnerability CVE-2023-48632 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that exists in versions 24.0.3 and earlier, as well as 23.6.0 and earlier of the software. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious content. The flaw specifically affects the software's handling of certain file formats, particularly those involving complex visual effects or animation data structures. When a user opens a specially crafted malicious file, the vulnerable code path executes and triggers the out-of-bounds write condition. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. The security implications are severe as this flaw can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently logged-in user account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The exploitation requires user interaction through opening a malicious file, making it a client-side vulnerability that relies on social engineering tactics for initial compromise. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into opening crafted project files or asset files that contain malicious code structures designed to trigger the buffer overflow condition during normal software operation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as it could allow attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. Organizations using Adobe After Effects should immediately update to the latest version to mitigate this risk, as the vulnerability affects a widely used creative software platform that is frequently targeted by threat actors due to its prevalence in professional environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia applications where complex data structures are processed. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, particularly unusual file opening patterns or unexpected software behavior when processing visual effects content. The remediation process involves updating Adobe After Effects to version 24.1.0 or later, which includes patches addressing the out-of-bounds write condition. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as file content scanning and restricting user access to potentially malicious files can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments of creative software tools, as these applications often process complex binary data that can contain exploitable conditions when not properly validated. Organizations should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for handling untrusted visual content and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in multimedia software applications. The exploitability of this vulnerability underscores the critical importance of keeping creative software updated, as these tools are frequently used in high-value environments where security breaches can result in significant financial and reputational damage.