CVE-2024-45137 in InDesign Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2024
InDesign Desktop versions 19.4, 18.5.3 and earlier are affected by an Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading a malicious file which, when executed, could run arbitrary code in the context of the server. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-45137 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe InDesign Desktop applications affecting versions 19.4 and 18.5.3 and earlier. This issue manifests as an unrestricted file upload vulnerability that permits attackers to bypass normal file type validation mechanisms. The flaw specifically impacts the application's handling of file uploads, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to introduce harmful content into the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 which specifically addresses unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, a well-documented weakness that has been exploited in numerous security incidents across various software platforms. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that an attacker must convince a legitimate user to perform a specific action such as opening a malicious file or clicking on a crafted link that triggers the vulnerability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file that the InDesign application accepts and processes without proper validation. This dangerous file type upload allows for arbitrary code execution within the server context, effectively granting the attacker elevated privileges and control over the affected system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access within the network environment. The server context execution means that any code uploaded and executed would operate with the same privileges as the InDesign application itself, potentially providing access to sensitive system resources and user data. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes malicious file downloads and execution, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-45137 is severe for organizations relying on Adobe InDesign for design and publishing workflows. The vulnerability creates a potential pathway for attackers to establish persistent backdoors, deploy additional malware, or escalate privileges within the network. The requirement for user interaction does not mitigate the risk significantly since social engineering techniques can effectively convince users to execute malicious files, especially when the files appear legitimate within the context of normal business operations. Organizations using InDesign for document preparation, layout design, and publishing processes face particular risk as these applications often handle sensitive corporate documents and creative assets. The vulnerability's exploitation could result in unauthorized access to proprietary designs, intellectual property theft, and disruption of business operations. Security teams must consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises and assess the risk to their specific environments, particularly where InDesign is used in shared or networked environments where multiple users may interact with potentially malicious files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-45137 should focus on immediate patch management and implementation of additional security controls. Adobe has released updates addressing this vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. In addition to patching, network administrators should implement file type validation at multiple layers including network appliances, application firewalls, and endpoint protection systems. The principle of least privilege should be enforced where possible, limiting the permissions of InDesign applications to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security awareness training for users can help reduce the risk associated with the required user interaction component, though this should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging of file upload activities within applications that handle user-provided content, enabling detection of suspicious upload patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of allowing unrestricted file uploads in enterprise applications, particularly those used in creative and publishing environments where user interaction with external content is common.