CVE-2024-47421 in Framemaker
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2024
Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.6, 2022.4 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability when parsing a crafted file, which could result in a read past the end of an allocated memory structure. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code 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 • 03/07/2025
Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.6, 2022.4 and earlier contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-47421 that arises during file parsing operations. This vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the application's memory management routines when processing specially crafted input files. The flaw manifests as an attempt to read memory beyond the boundaries of allocated structures, creating potential for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which represents a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to unpredictable behavior and system compromise. The attack vector requires user interaction, making it a client-side exploitation scenario where victims must open maliciously crafted files to trigger the vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate input data boundaries during file parsing operations. When Framemaker encounters a malformed or specially constructed file, its memory access routines do not adequately verify that read operations remain within allocated memory limits. This allows attackers to construct input that causes the application to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input files that manipulate the parser's memory access patterns to achieve the out-of-bounds read condition. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised application.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-47421 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with a potential path to full system compromise when users interact with malicious files. The vulnerability's requirement for user interaction limits its automated exploitation potential but does not eliminate the threat, particularly in targeted attacks where social engineering can be employed to deliver malicious files. Organizations using affected Framemaker versions face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to establish persistent access through the application's execution context, potentially enabling data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability affects a range of product versions, indicating it may have been present for an extended period, increasing the potential attack surface and exploitation likelihood.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected versions, as Adobe has likely released security updates addressing the memory bounds checking deficiencies. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and user education programs to reduce the likelihood of encountering malicious files. Network-based mitigations such as email filtering and web application firewalls can help prevent delivery of malicious files to users. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting user privileges when running Framemaker can limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a memory safety issue underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar patterns in other applications. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory access patterns or potential exploitation attempts that could indicate active exploitation of this vulnerability.