CVE-2024-43758 in Illustrator
Summary
by MITRE • 09/13/2024
Illustrator versions 28.6, 27.9.5 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 • 03/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-43758 represents a critical use after free flaw in Adobe Illustrator software versions 28.6, 27.9.5, and earlier releases. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory locations after they have been freed, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The flaw specifically affects the application's memory management handling during file processing operations, particularly when parsing maliciously crafted files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 which defines use after free conditions as a serious software defect that can lead to arbitrary code execution. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user, making it a significant threat vector for targeted attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through the opening of a malicious file, which makes it a typical social engineering target. When a victim opens a specially crafted file, the Illustrator application processes the file content and triggers the use after free condition in its memory management subsystem. This occurs during the parsing phase where the application allocates memory for file structures and subsequently frees it, but fails to properly invalidate references to that memory. The attacker can manipulate the memory layout to control what data is loaded into the freed memory space, potentially allowing them to inject and execute malicious code. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Illustrator is widely used in creative industries where users frequently open files from unknown sources, making this attack vector particularly effective.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-43758 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential full system compromise. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can gain persistent access to target systems through the executed malicious code, potentially establishing backdoors or exfiltrating sensitive data. The attack requires minimal sophistication from the threat actor since it relies on user interaction rather than complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious files. This vulnerability is categorized under the attack technique T1059 in the ATT&CK framework, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through the compromised application. The widespread use of Illustrator in design and creative workflows means that this vulnerability can affect organizations across multiple industries including advertising, publishing, and media production.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation by updating to the latest versions of Adobe Illustrator where this vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies and user education programs to reduce the likelihood of encountering malicious files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing layered security approaches. Network segmentation and file monitoring solutions can provide additional defense in depth measures. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for similar memory corruption issues in other Adobe applications and third-party software. The remediation process should also involve monitoring for any indicators of compromise that might result from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of unauthorized software, particularly in high-risk environments where the vulnerability could be exploited for data exfiltration or lateral movement.