CVE-2024-49544 in InDesign Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 12/11/2024
InDesign Desktop versions ID19.5, ID18.5.4 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write 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 • 02/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49544 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 19.5, 18.5.4, and earlier releases. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of specially crafted files and constitutes a serious security risk that could enable remote code execution when exploited by a malicious actor. The flaw manifests as an improper bounds check during file processing, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the application's memory space. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that a victim must willingly open a maliciously crafted file for the attack to succeed. This user interaction requirement makes the vulnerability less likely to be exploited at scale compared to fully automated attacks, but it does not eliminate the threat entirely. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where an attacker might send a malicious file through email or other communication channels, enticing the user to open it. Once opened, the malicious file triggers the out-of-bounds write condition within InDesign's memory management, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through malicious file opening.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to gain persistent access to affected systems. The arbitrary code execution capability means that an attacker could install backdoors, steal sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The memory corruption resulting from the out-of-bounds write can also lead to application crashes or system instability, potentially causing data loss or denial of service conditions. Given that InDesign is commonly used for professional desktop publishing and design work, the potential for accessing sensitive business documents or creative assets makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations. The vulnerability affects users who work with various file formats that InDesign processes, including but not limited to indd, pdf, and various image formats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-49544 should prioritize immediate patching of affected InDesign versions to the latest available releases from Adobe. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and consider deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate InDesign execution environments. Security awareness training for users should emphasize the importance of not opening unexpected files from untrusted sources, particularly those received through email or other communication channels. Network-based protections such as email filtering and web proxies can help reduce the likelihood of malicious files reaching end users. Additionally, system hardening measures including disabling unnecessary file format support, implementing application whitelisting, and maintaining regular system backups can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking in memory management and highlights the need for continuous security testing of desktop applications that process untrusted data from external sources.