CVE-2022-30656 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) affecting Adobe InCopy versions 17.2 and earlier, as well as 16.4.1 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries during processing of certain inputs, leading to the possibility of writing data outside the allocated buffer. Such out-of-bounds writes can corrupt memory, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a crafted malicious file in Adobe InCopy. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of reporting, and no official patches or updates have been linked in the provided information. The vulnerability affects widely used versions of Adobe InCopy, a professional word processing and editorial tool commonly used in publishing and media industries. The attack vector is local in the sense that the user must open a malicious file, but the impact can be significant if exploited, as arbitrary code execution could lead to compromise of user data, installation of malware, or lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges to exploit but is limited by the need for user interaction and the presence of the vulnerable software version.

For European organizations, especially those in publishing, media, marketing, and content creation sectors where Adobe InCopy is prevalent, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially resulting in data theft, disruption of editorial workflows, or deployment of further malware. Given the collaborative nature of content creation, malicious files could be distributed via email or shared drives, increasing the risk of infection. The impact on confidentiality is moderate, as sensitive editorial content or intellectual property could be exposed or altered. Integrity could be compromised through unauthorized modifications to documents or system files. Availability impact is limited but possible if exploitation leads to application crashes or system instability. Since exploitation requires user interaction, the risk is somewhat mitigated by user awareness and security controls. However, organizations with less mature security training or those that frequently exchange files with external partners may be more vulnerable. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as threat actors may develop exploits over time.

Organizations should implement targeted mitigation strategies beyond generic advice. First, ensure that all Adobe InCopy installations are updated to the latest available versions once patches are released by Adobe. Until patches are available, restrict the opening of InCopy files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially email attachments and downloads. Employ application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Adobe InCopy, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. Enhance email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block potentially malicious InCopy files. Conduct user training focused on recognizing suspicious files and the risks of opening unsolicited attachments. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, consider network segmentation to isolate systems running Adobe InCopy from critical infrastructure to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. Regularly back up critical editorial data and verify backup integrity to enable recovery from potential attacks. Finally, maintain up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to monitor for emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability.