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CVE-2022-28852: Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) in Adobe InDesign

Medium
Published: Fri Sep 16 2022 (09/16/2022, 17:20:05 UTC)
Source: CVE
Vendor/Project: Adobe
Product: InDesign

Description

Adobe InDesign versions 16.4.2 (and earlier) and 17.3 (and earlier) are affected by by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 06/22/2025, 21:35:42 UTC

Technical Analysis

CVE-2022-28852 is a security vulnerability identified in Adobe InDesign versions 16.4.2 and earlier, as well as 17.3 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. 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 InDesign file. Upon opening such a file, the vulnerability can be triggered, enabling the attacker to execute code that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges or prior authentication but depends on social engineering to convince the user to open the malicious file. 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. Given the nature of Adobe InDesign as a widely used desktop publishing software in creative and publishing industries, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to users who handle untrusted or externally sourced InDesign files.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-28852 can be significant, especially for entities in the media, publishing, advertising, and design sectors where Adobe InDesign is extensively used. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations. Since the code execution occurs with the privileges of the current user, the extent of damage depends on the user's permissions. In environments where users have administrative rights, the risk escalates to full system compromise. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks, potentially affecting broader organizational infrastructure. The requirement for user interaction limits the attack vector to targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns, which are common tactics in Europe. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks. Organizations handling sensitive or proprietary content in InDesign files should be particularly vigilant, as data leakage or intellectual property theft could have severe business and reputational consequences.

Mitigation Recommendations

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2022-28852, European organizations should implement several specific measures beyond generic patching advice. First, ensure that all Adobe InDesign installations are updated to the latest available versions beyond 16.4.2 and 17.3, as Adobe typically releases security updates addressing such vulnerabilities. If patches are not yet available, consider temporarily restricting the use of InDesign to trusted files only and disabling the opening of files from untrusted sources. Implement robust email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block potentially malicious InDesign files. Educate users, especially those in creative departments, about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected files and train them to recognize phishing attempts. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution environment of InDesign, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. Monitor endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, enforce the principle of least privilege by ensuring users operate with minimal necessary permissions to reduce the potential impact of arbitrary code execution.

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Technical Details

Data Version
5.1
Assigner Short Name
adobe
Date Reserved
2022-04-08T00:00:00.000Z
Cisa Enriched
true

Threat ID: 682d9845c4522896dcbf3ee1

Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:09:25 AM

Last enriched: 6/22/2025, 9:35:42 PM

Last updated: 7/26/2025, 10:20:15 AM

Views: 10

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