CVE-2024-47424 in Framemaker
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2024
Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.6, 2022.4 and earlier are affected by an Integer Overflow or Wraparound 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 • 03/07/2025
Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.6, 2022.4 and earlier contain an integer overflow vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-47424 that presents a significant security risk leading to potential arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability resides within the application's file processing mechanisms and represents a critical flaw that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically manifests as an integer overflow or wraparound condition that occurs during the handling of specially crafted input files, creating opportunities for attackers to execute unauthorized code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires only user interaction to exploit, meaning a victim must simply open a maliciously crafted file for the attack to succeed, making it highly practical for social engineering campaigns.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions where an integer value exceeds the maximum representable value and wraps around to a smaller value. This particular implementation flaw occurs during file parsing operations where integer variables used to manage buffer sizes or loop counters are not properly validated against their maximum limits. When an attacker crafts a file with malformed integer values, the application processes these values without adequate boundary checking, leading to predictable overflow conditions that can be manipulated to overwrite critical memory locations. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway involves the application's failure to properly validate integer inputs during file processing, which creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary instructions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute malicious code with the same privileges as the Framemaker application, which typically runs with the permissions of the currently logged-in user. This means that if a victim with administrative privileges opens the malicious file, the attacker could potentially gain elevated system access. The vulnerability affects a range of Adobe Framemaker versions, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple product releases, which increases the potential attack surface significantly. Organizations that rely heavily on document processing and content creation tools face heightened risk, as these applications often process files from external sources or untrusted environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-47424 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Adobe, as this represents a critical vulnerability requiring urgent attention. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies, including the use of file type restrictions and content scanning mechanisms to prevent users from opening potentially malicious files. Network-based protections such as intrusion prevention systems and sandboxing technologies can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring file processing activities and isolating suspicious operations. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening untrusted files and the importance of verifying file sources before processing. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving execution through file operations and privilege escalation, making comprehensive monitoring and access control measures essential for defense-in-depth strategies. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar integer overflow conditions in other software components and ensure that proper input validation mechanisms are in place throughout the application stack.