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CVE-2022-30662: Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) in Adobe InDesign

Medium
Published: Thu Jun 16 2022 (06/16/2022, 17:00:34 UTC)
Source: CVE
Vendor/Project: Adobe
Product: InDesign

Description

Adobe InDesign versions 17.2.1 (and earlier) and 16.4.1 (and earlier) are affected 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: 06/23/2025, 05:50:21 UTC

Technical Analysis

CVE-2022-30662 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) affecting Adobe InDesign versions 17.2.1 and earlier, as well as 16.4.1 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries during processing of certain input data, leading to the possibility of writing data outside the allocated buffer. Such memory corruption can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. The exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens a maliciously crafted InDesign file. There are no known public exploits in the wild as of the published date, and no official patches or updates are linked in the provided data. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability by potentially allowing an attacker to run arbitrary code, which could lead to data theft, system compromise, or disruption of services. However, the attack vector is limited by the need for user interaction and the scope is confined to users running vulnerable versions of Adobe InDesign.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-30662 could be significant in sectors relying heavily on Adobe InDesign for publishing, marketing, and creative content production, such as media companies, advertising agencies, and design firms. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, deploy malware, or establish persistence within corporate networks. Since Adobe InDesign is widely used in creative industries across Europe, especially in countries with strong media and publishing sectors like Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, the risk is non-trivial. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file) suggests that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used as attack vectors. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as an initial foothold for more extensive network compromise, particularly if the compromised user has elevated privileges or access to critical systems. However, the absence of known exploits in the wild and the medium severity rating indicate that the immediate threat level is moderate but should not be underestimated given the potential for targeted attacks.

Mitigation Recommendations

Organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation strategy beyond generic patching advice. First, ensure that all Adobe InDesign installations are updated to the latest versions beyond 17.2.1 and 16.4.1, as Adobe regularly releases security updates addressing such vulnerabilities. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider restricting the opening of InDesign files from untrusted sources through application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques. Employ advanced email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block potentially malicious InDesign files. User awareness training should emphasize the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files, particularly in creative departments. Additionally, implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a compromise occurs. Finally, monitor vendor advisories for any forthcoming patches or exploit disclosures related to this CVE to respond promptly.

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Technical Details

Data Version
5.1
Assigner Short Name
adobe
Date Reserved
2022-05-12T00:00:00.000Z
Cisa Enriched
true

Threat ID: 682d9843c4522896dcbf337f

Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:09:23 AM

Last enriched: 6/23/2025, 5:50:21 AM

Last updated: 8/16/2025, 1:54:53 AM

Views: 13

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