CVE-2022-28271 is a use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) affecting Adobe Photoshop versions 22.5.6 and earlier, as well as 23.2.2 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when Photoshop improperly manages memory, specifically freeing an object while it is still in use, which can lead to the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the current user. The exploitation vector requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted PDF file. Once triggered, the vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute code with the same privileges as the logged-in user, potentially leading to unauthorized actions such as data theft, installation of malware, or lateral movement within a network. No public exploits have been reported in the wild to date, and Adobe has not provided a patch link in the provided data, indicating that organizations may still be vulnerable if they have not updated to a fixed version. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity, reflecting the need for user interaction and the limited scope of privilege escalation (restricted to the current user context).

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, particularly for those relying heavily on Adobe Photoshop in their workflows, such as media companies, design agencies, and marketing departments. Successful exploitation could lead to compromise of user workstations, resulting in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of business operations. Since the vulnerability requires opening a malicious PDF, phishing campaigns or targeted spear-phishing attacks could be used to deliver the exploit, increasing the risk to organizations with less mature email security and user awareness programs. The arbitrary code execution capability could also serve as an initial foothold for attackers to deploy ransomware or move laterally within corporate networks, amplifying the potential damage. However, the impact is somewhat mitigated by the need for user interaction and the limitation to the current user's privileges, which may restrict the attacker's ability to escalate privileges or compromise critical infrastructure directly.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should prioritize updating Adobe Photoshop to the latest patched versions as soon as they become available from Adobe. In the absence of an official patch, organizations should implement strict controls on the handling of PDF files, including disabling the automatic opening of PDFs within Photoshop and employing sandboxing or application isolation techniques for Photoshop processes. Email filtering solutions should be enhanced to detect and block malicious PDFs, and user training programs should emphasize the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious attachments. Additionally, endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools should be configured to monitor for unusual process behaviors associated with Photoshop and PDF handling. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a workstation is compromised. Finally, organizations should maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation.