CVE-2022-28829 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) found in Adobe FrameMaker versions 2029u8 and earlier, as well as 2020u4 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries during processing of certain inputs, specifically when opening a maliciously crafted FrameMaker file. The out-of-bounds write can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, allowing an attacker to execute malicious code on the victim's system. Exploitation requires user interaction, as the victim must open a malicious file, which could be delivered via email, shared drives, or other file transfer methods. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no official patches have been linked or published yet. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of FrameMaker, a desktop publishing software widely used for technical documentation and publishing. Given the nature of the vulnerability, an attacker could potentially escalate privileges or install malware, depending on the user's permissions. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges to exploit but depends on user action to open the malicious file. The lack of a CVSS score means severity must be assessed based on impact and exploitability factors. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling arbitrary code execution, but the requirement for user interaction and absence of known exploits somewhat limit immediate risk.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-28829 could be significant in sectors relying heavily on Adobe FrameMaker for technical documentation, such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and government agencies. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially resulting in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of document workflows. Since FrameMaker is often used to produce critical manuals and compliance documents, tampering or disruption could affect operational integrity. The vulnerability could also serve as an initial foothold for attackers to move laterally within networks, especially if users have elevated privileges or if the malicious file is distributed internally. However, the requirement for user interaction and the absence of known exploits reduce the immediacy of risk. Organizations with strong email filtering and user awareness programs may further mitigate the likelihood of successful exploitation. Nonetheless, the vulnerability represents a medium risk that should be addressed promptly to prevent potential targeted attacks or supply chain compromises.

Implement strict email and file attachment filtering to block or quarantine suspicious FrameMaker files, especially from unknown or untrusted sources. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected FrameMaker documents, emphasizing verification of file sources before opening. Isolate systems running Adobe FrameMaker from critical network segments to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. Monitor for unusual process behavior or memory anomalies on systems running FrameMaker, using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. Apply principle of least privilege to user accounts operating FrameMaker to minimize impact if exploitation occurs. Regularly check Adobe’s security advisories for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. Consider disabling or restricting the use of FrameMaker in environments where it is not essential, or use virtualized environments to contain risk. Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution resulting from exploitation. Maintain up-to-date backups of critical documentation and systems to enable recovery in case of compromise.