CVE-2026-27290 in Framemaker
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2026
Adobe Framemaker versions 2022.8 and earlier are affected by an Untrusted Search Path vulnerability that might allow attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. If the application uses a search path to locate critical resources such as programs, then an attacker could modify that search path to point to a malicious program, which the targeted application would then execute. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2026
Adobe Framemaker versions 2022.8 and earlier contain a critical untrusted search path vulnerability that presents a significant security risk to organizations relying on this document processing software. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-426 category, which specifically addresses the execution of untrusted code through insecure search paths. The flaw occurs when the application employs a search path mechanism to locate critical system resources, libraries, or executable components. When attackers can manipulate this search path, they gain the ability to redirect the application's resource resolution to malicious payloads that will execute with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require any user interaction to exploit, making it a passive threat that can be leveraged by attackers without the need for social engineering or deceptive actions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of system library paths or resource locations within the Framemaker application. When the software searches for required components, it may traverse directories in a predictable order without adequate validation of the source or integrity of the found resources. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious binaries or scripts in directories that are searched before legitimate system locations, effectively hijacking the application's execution flow. This type of attack aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a foothold for further system compromise, potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations that utilize Adobe Framemaker for document creation, editing, or publishing activities. Since the application runs with the privileges of the current user, successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive documents, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in automated attack scenarios or when attackers can leverage other initial access vectors to place malicious files in the search path locations. Organizations may experience unauthorized system modifications, loss of intellectual property, or compliance violations depending on the nature of documents processed through the vulnerable software. This vulnerability also poses risks to network security posture as it can be used as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks within the enterprise environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through the application of Adobe's official security patches and updates. Organizations should implement strict access controls and permissions on system directories to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical search paths. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running Framemaker with minimal required permissions and avoiding execution with administrative privileges. Network segmentation and monitoring controls can help detect suspicious file modifications or unexpected execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized binaries. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of search path configurations to ensure that no insecure path resolution mechanisms remain in place. Additionally, organizations should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing potential exploitation of untrusted search path vulnerabilities to ensure rapid detection and containment of any successful attacks.