CVE-2022-30666 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting Adobe Illustrator versions 26.0.2 and earlier, as well as 25.4.5 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries while processing certain data structures, leading to the reading of memory outside the intended buffer. Such an out-of-bounds read can expose sensitive information residing in adjacent memory areas, potentially including cryptographic keys, user data, or other confidential information. The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker who convinces a victim to open a specially crafted malicious Illustrator file. This user interaction is mandatory for exploitation, as the vulnerability is triggered during file parsing or rendering. A significant consequence of this vulnerability is that it can be leveraged to bypass security mitigations like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), which is designed to prevent reliable exploitation of memory corruption bugs. Although no public exploits are currently known in the wild, the flaw poses a risk of information disclosure that could be a stepping stone for more advanced attacks. The vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation but weakens the system's memory protection mechanisms, potentially facilitating further exploitation chains. Adobe has not provided patch links in the provided data, but affected users should monitor for updates. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity, reflecting its impact on confidentiality and the requirement for user interaction.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2022-30666 lies in the potential disclosure of sensitive information through memory leakage when malicious Illustrator files are opened. Organizations in sectors such as design, advertising, media, and publishing that rely heavily on Adobe Illustrator are at risk, especially if employees handle untrusted or external files. The information disclosed could include sensitive intellectual property, internal configuration data, or credentials that might be stored in memory, thereby increasing the risk of subsequent targeted attacks. The bypass of ASLR reduces the effectiveness of memory protection, potentially enabling attackers to chain this vulnerability with others to achieve code execution or system compromise. While the vulnerability requires user interaction, social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. The impact on availability and integrity is minimal directly; however, the confidentiality breach could have regulatory and reputational consequences under European data protection laws such as GDPR. Organizations with strict compliance requirements must consider this vulnerability a risk to data confidentiality and take appropriate measures to mitigate exposure.

To mitigate CVE-2022-30666, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Ensure all Adobe Illustrator installations are updated to the latest available versions, as Adobe typically releases patches for such vulnerabilities; if patches are not yet available, consider temporarily restricting the use of vulnerable versions. 2) Implement strict file handling policies that limit the opening of Illustrator files from untrusted or external sources, including email attachments and downloads. 3) Deploy advanced email and endpoint security solutions capable of scanning and sandboxing Illustrator files to detect malicious content before user interaction. 4) Educate users, especially those in creative departments, about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious Illustrator files and train them to verify file sources. 5) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to isolate Illustrator processes, limiting the potential impact of exploitation. 6) Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual activity that could indicate exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory access patterns or crashes related to Illustrator. 7) Integrate memory protection enhancements and consider enabling additional OS-level mitigations beyond ASLR, such as Control Flow Guard (CFG) or Data Execution Prevention (DEP), if supported. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling file sources, user behavior, and layered defense mechanisms specific to the Illustrator environment.