CVE-2024-20756 in Adobe
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2024
Bridge versions 13.0.5, 14.0.1 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 • 04/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-20756 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw affecting Bridge software versions 13.0.5, 14.0.1, and earlier releases. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer or array. The flaw exists within the Bridge application's handling of file processing operations, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can lead to arbitrary code execution when successfully exploited, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. The exploitability of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to open a specifically crafted malicious file, making this a targeted attack vector rather than an automated exploitation scenario. The attack surface is limited to users who interact with Bridge software and process untrusted files, but the impact is severe given the privilege escalation potential.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Bridge application's file parsing routines. When the software processes a maliciously crafted file, the buffer management logic fails to properly verify array bounds before writing data to memory locations. This memory corruption can be manipulated to overwrite critical program variables, function pointers, or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a predictable memory layout that can be leveraged to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the currently running user account. The attack chain requires the victim to open the malicious file through Bridge's normal file handling mechanisms, which aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for legitimate user execution. This execution path bypasses many traditional security controls since the attack occurs within the normal application workflow, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-20756 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data compromise and system persistence. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, system reconnaissance, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Bridge, indicating a widespread exposure across different deployment scenarios and user bases. Organizations using Bridge software across various platforms and environments face significant risk, particularly in enterprise settings where users frequently process external documents and files. The requirement for user interaction does provide some defense-in-depth, but this protection can be circumvented through social engineering attacks, spear-phishing campaigns, or targeted exploitation of specific user roles. Security teams must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be weaponized in advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers have the time and resources to craft convincing malicious files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-20756 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Bridge installations are updated promptly. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious files, particularly those received through email attachments or downloaded from untrusted sources. Network-based security controls such as email filtering, web proxies, and file integrity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection by blocking or quarantining suspicious file types before they reach end-user systems. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can restrict execution of unauthorized Bridge versions, while endpoint detection and response solutions should be configured to monitor for anomalous memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual file processing activities and potential memory corruption indicators that align with the ATT&CK framework's techniques for privilege escalation and execution. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for file processing to isolate potentially malicious content from the primary operating environment, thereby reducing the impact of successful exploitation attempts.