CVE-2022-23191 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting Adobe Illustrator versions 25.4.3 and earlier, as well as 26.0.2 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory bounds while processing certain data structures, leading to the reading of memory outside the intended buffer boundaries. Such out-of-bounds reads can result in the disclosure of sensitive memory contents, potentially including information that could aid an attacker in bypassing security mitigations like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). ASLR is a critical defense mechanism designed to randomize memory addresses used by system and application processes, thereby making exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities more difficult. By leaking memory layout information, this vulnerability can facilitate further exploitation, such as crafting more reliable memory corruption attacks. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted Adobe Illustrator file. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of this analysis, and no official patches or updates have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation but can be a stepping stone in a multi-stage attack chain. The affected product, Adobe Illustrator, is widely used in creative industries for vector graphics editing, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking intellectual property or sensitive design data. The vulnerability’s medium severity rating reflects its potential for information disclosure and the prerequisite of user action for exploitation.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2022-23191 lies in the potential leakage of sensitive memory contents, which could include confidential design files, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive data resident in memory during Illustrator’s operation. This information disclosure could facilitate further targeted attacks, including privilege escalation or remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities. Organizations in sectors such as advertising, media, manufacturing, and design, which rely heavily on Adobe Illustrator, may face risks of intellectual property theft or espionage. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file) means that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver the exploit, increasing the risk in environments where users frequently exchange design files. Although no active exploitation has been reported, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value European entities, especially those with less mature endpoint security or patch management processes. The ability to bypass ASLR also raises the risk of more sophisticated follow-on attacks. Overall, the impact is moderate but non-negligible, particularly for organizations handling sensitive or proprietary graphic content.

1. Immediate mitigation should include educating users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected Adobe Illustrator files, especially from untrusted sources. 2. Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block potentially malicious Illustrator files. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to restrict Adobe Illustrator’s ability to access sensitive system resources or network communications. 4. Monitor Adobe’s official security advisories closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behaviors related to memory disclosure or exploitation attempts. 6. Limit the use of Adobe Illustrator to necessary personnel and consider network segmentation to reduce exposure. 7. Conduct regular security awareness training focused on social engineering tactics that could lead to opening malicious files. 8. For organizations with advanced security capabilities, consider deploying memory protection tools or runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions that can detect and prevent out-of-bounds memory reads.