CVE-2023-48635 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 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.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2024
Adobe After Effects suffers from a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that manifests in versions 24.0.3 and earlier, as well as 23.6.0 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the application's handling of specific file formats, particularly those involving layered compositions and effects processing. The flaw occurs when the software attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries during file parsing operations. The technical implementation fails to validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory segments, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can trigger unauthorized memory access patterns. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the failure to properly validate input data boundaries. The out-of-bounds read condition allows an attacker to access memory regions that contain sensitive information such as stack canaries, return addresses, or other security-related data structures that are typically protected from normal program execution paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables sophisticated exploitation techniques that can bypass modern security mitigations. When an attacker successfully triggers this vulnerability through a maliciously crafted file, the out-of-bounds read can expose memory contents that contain information necessary for bypassing address space layout randomization, a critical exploit mitigation technique. The memory disclosure can reveal stack or heap layout information, which provides attackers with the precise addresses needed to craft successful return-oriented programming or jump-oriented programming attacks. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where other exploit mitigations are active, as it effectively neutralizes these protections by providing the attacker with the exact memory layout information required for exploitation. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that a victim must open the malicious file, but once opened, the exploit can be fully automated.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily limited to users who open untrusted files within Adobe After Effects, making it a targeted threat in creative workflows where file sharing and collaboration are common. The exploit chain typically involves crafting a specially formatted project file that, when loaded, triggers the out-of-bounds read condition. This approach aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage application-specific vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a significant risk in environments where creative professionals frequently exchange project files, as the attack vector is highly realistic and the exploitation requirements are minimal. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Adobe After Effects is widely used in professional settings where sensitive project data and creative assets are stored, making the potential for information leakage particularly concerning.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability, including updating to patched versions of Adobe After Effects as soon as possible. The recommended approach involves deploying Adobe's official security patches and maintaining strict file validation procedures for project files received from external sources. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted files, particularly those originating from unknown or unverified sources. Additionally, network-level security controls such as sandboxing or file content filtering should be deployed to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious files. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue makes it susceptible to various exploitation techniques, including those that leverage heap spraying or information leakage for privilege escalation. Organizations should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual memory access patterns or attempts to read sensitive system information, as these may signal exploitation attempts. The combination of user interaction requirements and the potential for bypassing ASLR makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for environments with high-value targets or those that handle sensitive creative assets.