CVE-2024-47423 in Framemaker
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2024
Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.6, 2022.4 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 can be automatically processed or executed by the system. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.6, 2022.4 and earlier contain a critical unrestricted file upload vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on these document processing applications. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw allows attackers to upload malicious files that can be automatically processed or executed by the system, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning that an attacker must convince a legitimate user to perform an action such as clicking a link or opening a file, but once triggered, the consequences can be severe.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of file uploads within the Framemaker application. When users upload files, the system fails to properly verify the file types and contents, allowing potentially malicious files to be accepted and stored on the server. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to upload files with extensions that are typically associated with executable code or scripts, such as .exe, .bat, .js, or .vbs files, which can then be automatically processed by the application or executed by the underlying operating system. The vulnerability is especially concerning in enterprise environments where Framemaker is used for document creation and collaboration, as it provides attackers with a method to gain unauthorized access to systems and potentially escalate privileges within the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain persistent access to the affected system, establish backdoors, or deploy additional malware for lateral movement within the network. The requirement for user interaction does not mitigate the risk significantly, as social engineering techniques can be employed to trick users into uploading malicious files through phishing campaigns or compromised websites. This vulnerability also impacts compliance with industry standards such as iso/iec 27001 and pci dss, as it creates an exploitable entry point that could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information and system resources. Organizations using these older versions of Framemaker face potential regulatory violations and increased risk exposure due to the lack of proper file validation controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected versions of Adobe Framemaker to the latest available releases that contain proper file upload validation. Organizations should implement additional security controls including network segmentation to limit access to Framemaker systems, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter file uploads, and establishing strict file type restrictions that prevent the upload of potentially dangerous file extensions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for organizations to maintain up-to-date security measures and conduct regular vulnerability assessments. Administrators should also implement user education programs to raise awareness about social engineering attacks and the risks associated with downloading and executing unknown files. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.