CVE-2024-30288 Overview
CVE-2024-30288 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.5, 2022.3, and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a malicious file. Adobe published Security Advisory APSB24-37 addressing this issue.
The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-122] (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and [CWE-787] (Out-of-bounds Write). Exploitation requires user interaction, limiting mass exploitation potential but remaining viable in targeted phishing and social engineering campaigns.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants attackers arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Framemaker user, enabling malware installation, data theft, or lateral movement.
Affected Products
- Adobe Framemaker version 2020.5 and earlier
- Adobe Framemaker version 2022.3 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows platforms running affected Framemaker installations
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-16 - CVE-2024-30288 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-30288
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-30288 is a heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Framemaker's file parsing logic. When Framemaker processes a specially crafted document, the application writes data beyond the allocated heap buffer boundary. This out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent heap metadata and object structures.
Attackers can shape heap layout to place attacker-controlled data in predictable locations. Corrupting function pointers, virtual table entries, or heap chunk headers redirects execution flow to attacker-supplied shellcode. The vulnerability yields arbitrary code execution under the current user's security context.
The local attack vector requires the victim to open a malicious file. Attackers typically deliver payloads through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or shared document repositories.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds checking during parsing of structured data within Framemaker document formats. The application allocates a heap buffer based on one length field and then copies data using a different, attacker-controlled size value. This mismatch produces the out-of-bounds write condition classified under [CWE-787].
Attack Vector
Exploitation proceeds in four stages. First, the attacker crafts a malicious Framemaker document containing malformed structural elements. Second, the file reaches the victim through email, web download, or file share. Third, the victim opens the document in a vulnerable Framemaker version. Fourth, the parser triggers the overflow and executes the attacker's payload.
Because the process runs with the interactive user's privileges, chained exploitation with privilege escalation flaws can achieve full system compromise. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-37 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30288
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe, particularly command interpreters like cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or wscript.exe
- Framemaker process crashes followed by suspicious file writes to user profile directories or %TEMP%
- Inbound Framemaker document files (.fm, .mif, .book) from untrusted sources or external email
- Outbound network connections initiated by FrameMaker.exe to unfamiliar hosts
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process creation events where FrameMaker.exe is the parent process for anomalous child processes
- Alert on Framemaker application crashes correlated with recent document opens using Windows Error Reporting telemetry
- Deploy YARA rules targeting known malformed Framemaker document structures used in exploit development
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line auditing and PowerShell script block logging on workstations running Framemaker
- Collect endpoint telemetry covering process lineage, file writes, and network connections from FrameMaker.exe
- Track Framemaker version inventory to identify unpatched hosts still running versions at or below 2020.5 and 2022.3
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30288
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Framemaker to the patched versions identified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-37
- Restrict opening of Framemaker documents received from external or untrusted sources until patching completes
- Inventory endpoints running Framemaker 2020.5, 2022.3, and earlier to prioritize remediation
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds through Security Advisory APSB24-37. Administrators should deploy the updates through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application or by downloading installers directly from Adobe. Verify the installed version after patching to confirm remediation.
Workarounds
- Block inbound Framemaker file attachments (.fm, .mif, .book) at the email gateway when business requirements allow
- Apply application control policies that restrict Framemaker execution to trusted document directories
- Enforce least-privilege user accounts so successful exploitation does not yield administrative access
- Deliver user awareness training focused on the risk of opening unsolicited document files
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
