CVE-2022-24105 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) affecting Adobe Photoshop versions 22.5.6 and earlier, as well as 23.2.2 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when Photoshop processes malicious U3D files, which are 3D model files that can be embedded within Photoshop projects. The out-of-bounds write occurs due to improper bounds checking during the parsing or handling of these U3D files, allowing an attacker to overwrite memory outside the intended buffer. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, meaning that the attacker could execute malicious code with the same privileges as the logged-in user. However, exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim must open a crafted malicious U3D file in Photoshop. There are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date, and no official patches or CVSS scores have been provided. The vulnerability was reserved in January 2022 and publicly disclosed in May 2022. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it primarily threatens confidentiality and integrity by enabling code execution, and potentially availability if the exploit leads to application crashes or system instability.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for industries heavily reliant on Adobe Photoshop for creative, design, and marketing workflows, such as advertising agencies, media companies, and manufacturing firms with design departments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, insertion of malware, or lateral movement within corporate networks if the compromised user has network access. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing campaigns or social engineering could be used to deliver malicious U3D files, increasing the risk in environments where users frequently exchange files. Additionally, organizations with less mature cybersecurity awareness or lacking strict file handling policies may be more vulnerable. The impact on confidentiality is high due to arbitrary code execution, while integrity and availability impacts depend on the attacker's objectives. Given that Photoshop is widely used across Europe, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of sectors, including creative industries, education, and government agencies that utilize Adobe products.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Immediately update Adobe Photoshop to the latest available version once Adobe releases a patch addressing CVE-2022-24105. In the absence of an official patch, consider temporarily restricting or disabling the opening of U3D files within Photoshop through application configuration or group policy controls. 2) Implement strict email and file filtering to block or quarantine suspicious U3D files, especially from untrusted sources, to reduce the risk of malicious file delivery. 3) Enhance user awareness training focused on recognizing and avoiding opening suspicious or unexpected files, particularly those with uncommon extensions like U3D. 4) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected Photoshop process activity or code injection patterns. 5) Enforce the principle of least privilege for user accounts running Photoshop to limit the potential impact of arbitrary code execution. 6) Regularly audit and monitor network traffic and file shares for unusual activity involving U3D files. These targeted mitigations go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific attack vector (malicious U3D files) and the operational context of Photoshop usage.