CVE-2022-30648 is a Use-After-Free (CWE-416) vulnerability identified in Adobe Illustrator versions 26.0.2 and earlier, as well as 25.4.5 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the application improperly manages memory, specifically when it attempts to use memory after it has been freed. Exploiting this flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning a victim must open a specially crafted malicious Illustrator file to trigger the vulnerability. Upon successful exploitation, the attacker could potentially execute code that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. However, the exploit does not require elevated privileges or authentication beyond the victim opening the malicious file. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of this report, and no official patches have been linked, indicating that mitigation relies on cautious user behavior and monitoring. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity, reflecting the balance between the need for user interaction and the potential impact of arbitrary code execution.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-30648 can be significant, especially for those heavily reliant on Adobe Illustrator for design, marketing, and creative workflows. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, deploy malware, or move laterally within corporate networks. This could disrupt business operations, damage brand reputation, and lead to financial losses. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction through opening a malicious file, phishing campaigns or targeted spear-phishing attacks could be effective vectors. Organizations in sectors such as advertising, media, manufacturing, and engineering, where Adobe Illustrator is widely used, are particularly at risk. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as entry points for broader cyberattacks, including ransomware or espionage campaigns. The medium severity rating suggests that while the risk is not critical, it should not be underestimated, especially in environments where users may be less aware of social engineering tactics or where endpoint protections are insufficient.

To mitigate CVE-2022-30648, European organizations should implement several specific measures beyond generic advice: 1) Enforce strict email and file attachment filtering to detect and quarantine suspicious Illustrator files, leveraging advanced threat detection tools that can analyze file behavior and metadata. 2) Educate users, particularly those in creative departments, about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected Illustrator files, emphasizing verification of file sources. 3) Deploy application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques for Adobe Illustrator to limit the execution scope of potentially malicious code. 4) Monitor endpoint behavior for anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual memory usage or process spawning linked to Illustrator. 5) Maintain up-to-date backups of critical design assets to enable recovery in case of compromise. 6) Engage with Adobe’s security advisories regularly to apply patches promptly once they become available. 7) Consider network segmentation to isolate systems running Illustrator from sensitive infrastructure to reduce lateral movement opportunities.