CVE-2022-24090 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting Adobe Photoshop versions 23.1.1 and earlier, as well as 22.5.5 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when Photoshop improperly handles memory bounds during processing of certain files, allowing an attacker to read memory outside the intended buffer. The consequence of this flaw is the potential disclosure of sensitive memory contents, which could include sensitive application data or system information. Notably, this vulnerability can be leveraged to bypass security mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), a common defense mechanism designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption bugs by randomizing memory addresses. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that a victim opens a maliciously crafted file in Photoshop. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date, and no official patches or updates have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability does not allow direct code execution or privilege escalation but can serve as a stepping stone for more complex attacks by leaking memory layout information. This makes it a medium severity issue from a technical perspective, given the limited scope of impact and the requirement for user interaction.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-24090 primarily concerns confidentiality risks. Disclosure of sensitive memory could reveal internal application data, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive information residing in memory during Photoshop's operation. This could facilitate further targeted attacks, such as privilege escalation or remote code execution, if combined with other vulnerabilities. Organizations heavily reliant on Adobe Photoshop for digital content creation, including media companies, advertising agencies, and design firms, may face increased risk of intellectual property leakage or exposure of proprietary data. Additionally, the ability to bypass ASLR weakens the overall security posture of affected systems, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation of other vulnerabilities. However, the requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file) limits the attack vector primarily to phishing or social engineering campaigns. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time. Availability and integrity impacts are minimal, as the vulnerability does not directly enable denial of service or data manipulation.

Apply the latest Adobe Photoshop updates as soon as they become available, as vendors typically release patches for such vulnerabilities promptly. Implement strict email and file filtering policies to detect and block potentially malicious Photoshop files, especially from untrusted sources. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files, emphasizing caution with Photoshop files received via email or download. Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to file processing within Photoshop. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation by isolating Photoshop processes. Monitor network and system logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory access patterns or crashes. Restrict Photoshop usage to trusted personnel and environments, minimizing exposure to untrusted files. Consider disabling or restricting macros or scripting features within Photoshop if applicable, to reduce attack surface.