CVE-2024-20752 in Adobe
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2024
Bridge versions 13.0.5, 14.0.1 and earlier are affected by a Use After Free 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 • 04/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20752 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting Bridge software versions 13.0.5, 14.0.1, and earlier. This issue stems from improper memory management where freed memory blocks are accessed after their original allocation has been released, creating a potential exploitation vector for malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can lead to arbitrary code execution when a victim opens a specially crafted malicious file, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks. The root cause aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software systems where memory is accessed after it has been freed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program flow and execute unintended code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a memory management error that occurs when Bridge processes certain file formats that trigger the use after free condition. When a user opens a malicious file, the application's handling of memory allocation and deallocation creates a window where freed memory can be accessed and potentially overwritten with malicious data. This memory corruption can then be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, ultimately allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The attack requires user interaction, meaning that traditional security measures like network-based exploitation are not sufficient, and social engineering becomes a critical component of the attack vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20752 extends beyond simple code execution as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of user sessions and system security. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to escalate privileges, establish persistent access, or extract sensitive information from systems running affected Bridge versions. The requirement for user interaction creates a realistic attack scenario that aligns with common threat models in the industry, particularly those categorized under the attack technique T1203 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which involves legitimate user interaction for privilege escalation. Organizations using Bridge software in enterprise environments face significant risk, as this vulnerability can be leveraged for lateral movement and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-20752 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that have addressed the memory management flaw. System administrators must implement comprehensive user education programs to recognize potentially malicious file attachments and avoid opening suspicious content from untrusted sources. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and restricting user privileges can reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider deploying behavioral analysis tools that can detect unusual memory access patterns and potential use after free exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of regular security patching and proper memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications handling user-provided content as outlined in industry best practices for secure coding standards.