CVE-2022-30665 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, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer. Such a flaw can lead to memory corruption, which in turn may enable arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the opening of a maliciously crafted InDesign file. Once triggered, the attacker could execute code with the privileges of the user running InDesign, potentially leading to unauthorized actions such as installing malware, stealing data, or further compromising the system. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and Adobe has not provided a patch link in the provided data, indicating that remediation may still be pending or that users must rely on other mitigations. The vulnerability affects widely used versions of Adobe InDesign, a professional desktop publishing software commonly employed in creative industries, marketing, publishing, and corporate communications. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it primarily threatens confidentiality and integrity by enabling code execution, but availability could also be impacted if the exploit causes application or system crashes.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-30665 can be significant, especially for sectors heavily reliant on Adobe InDesign for document creation and publishing, such as media companies, advertising agencies, and corporate communications departments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive intellectual property, confidential client data, or internal communications. Since the code execution occurs with user-level privileges, attackers could leverage this foothold to escalate privileges or move laterally within a network, increasing the risk of broader compromise. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file) means that social engineering or phishing campaigns could be vectors for attack, potentially targeting employees in creative or administrative roles. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as threat actors could develop exploits given the vulnerability's public disclosure. Additionally, the lack of an official patch at the time of this analysis means organizations must rely on interim mitigations, increasing exposure. The impact is compounded in environments where Adobe InDesign is integrated into automated workflows or where users have elevated privileges, increasing the potential damage from exploitation.

1. Implement strict email and file filtering to block or quarantine unsolicited or suspicious InDesign files, especially those from unknown or untrusted sources. 2. Educate users, particularly those in creative and publishing roles, about the risks of opening files from unverified origins and train them to recognize phishing attempts. 3. Restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary, ensuring that users running Adobe InDesign do not have administrative rights, limiting the potential impact of code execution. 4. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to contain the execution of InDesign and limit its ability to interact with other system components. 5. Monitor network and endpoint behavior for anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual process launches or memory access patterns. 6. Stay informed about Adobe’s security advisories and apply patches promptly once available. 7. Consider disabling or restricting the use of Adobe InDesign in high-risk environments until a patch is applied. 8. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and respond to suspicious activities related to InDesign processes.