CVE-2022-28278 is a security vulnerability identified in Adobe Photoshop versions 22.5.6 and earlier, as well as 23.2.2 and earlier. The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds write (CWE-787), which occurs when the software writes data outside the boundaries of allocated memory buffers. This type of flaw can lead to memory corruption, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens a maliciously crafted file in Photoshop. Once triggered, the vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute code with the privileges of the user running Photoshop, potentially leading to unauthorized actions such as data manipulation, installation of malware, or lateral movement within a network. 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 was reserved on March 30, 2022, and publicly disclosed on May 6, 2022. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is critical for users to be cautious when opening files from untrusted sources. The attack vector is limited to user interaction, which reduces the risk of automated exploitation but does not eliminate the threat, especially in environments where Photoshop files are frequently exchanged or downloaded from external sources.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-28278 can be significant, particularly for sectors heavily reliant on Adobe Photoshop for digital content creation, such as media, advertising, design agencies, and publishing houses. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive creative assets and potentially enabling further network compromise if attackers leverage the foothold to escalate privileges or move laterally. The vulnerability could also disrupt availability if exploited to crash Photoshop or corrupt files. Given that the attack requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns targeting employees who handle Photoshop files could be an effective attack vector. Organizations with large creative teams or those that frequently collaborate with external partners may face increased exposure. Additionally, the presence of this vulnerability in widely used versions of Photoshop means that many endpoints could be affected, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the medium severity rating and potential for arbitrary code execution warrant proactive mitigation to prevent future exploitation.

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2022-28278, European organizations should implement several targeted measures beyond generic patching advice: 1) Restrict Photoshop file handling by enforcing strict policies on opening files only from trusted sources and verifying the origin of files received via email or external media. 2) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential code execution within Photoshop, isolating the application from critical system resources. 3) Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory access patterns or process injections related to Photoshop. 4) Conduct user awareness training focused on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious Photoshop files, emphasizing the importance of verifying file authenticity. 5) Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities if an endpoint is compromised through this vulnerability. 6) Monitor Adobe’s security advisories closely for the release of patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and prioritize timely deployment once available. 7) Consider deploying file integrity monitoring on directories where Photoshop files are stored or edited to detect unauthorized modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts.