CVE-2024-30289 Overview
CVE-2024-30289 is a stack-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. Exploitation requires user interaction, and the attack vector is local. Adobe published the corresponding security bulletin APSB24-37 addressing this issue along with related Framemaker vulnerabilities.
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-121] (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) and [CWE-787] (Out-of-bounds Write). It carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Adobe Framemaker, enabling malware installation, data theft, or lateral movement on Windows hosts.
Affected Products
- Adobe Framemaker 2020.5 and earlier 2020.x releases
- Adobe Framemaker 2022.3 and earlier 2022.x releases
- Microsoft Windows (host operating system for affected Framemaker installations)
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-16 - CVE-2024-30289 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-30289
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-30289 is a stack-based buffer overflow in Adobe Framemaker's file-parsing logic. Framemaker processes structured document formats such as FrameMaker Interchange Format (MIF) and FrameMaker binary (.fm) files. When the application parses a malformed document, it writes attacker-controlled data past the bounds of a fixed-size stack buffer.
The out-of-bounds write ([CWE-787]) corrupts adjacent stack memory. Attackers can overwrite the return address, saved frame pointers, or structured exception handler records. This corruption redirects control flow to attacker-supplied shellcode or a return-oriented programming chain.
The issue executes code with the privileges of the user running Framemaker. On Windows workstations where users typically operate with standard or administrative rights, this yields full compromise of the user session, including access to documents, credentials cached in the user profile, and network shares mapped by that account.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds checking during parsing of Framemaker document structures. The application copies field data from the file into a stack buffer without validating that the source length fits the destination. Malformed length fields or oversized embedded records trigger the overflow.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker crafts a malicious Framemaker document and delivers it through email attachments, chat platforms, or web downloads. When the victim opens the file with a vulnerable Framemaker version, parsing routines trigger the overflow and execute the embedded payload. No authentication is required, and no network exposure is needed.
Verified proof-of-concept code is not publicly available for this issue. Refer to the Adobe Security Patch APSB24-37 advisory for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30289
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe, such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe.
- Framemaker crash events in the Windows Application event log referencing access violations or stack corruption.
- Framemaker documents (.fm, .mif, .book) arriving from untrusted sources or with anomalous file sizes and structures.
- Outbound network connections initiated by FrameMaker.exe shortly after opening a document.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process creation events where the parent image is FrameMaker.exe and the child is a scripting or LOLBin executable.
- Alert on Framemaker process crashes followed by immediate re-launch, which can indicate exploitation attempts.
- Inspect email and web gateway telemetry for Framemaker file types delivered from external senders.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard and Attack Surface Reduction rules that block Office and productivity applications from spawning child processes.
- Collect Sysmon event IDs 1 (process create), 7 (image load), and 11 (file create) for Framemaker installations.
- Forward endpoint telemetry to a centralized data lake for retrospective hunting when new indicators emerge.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30289
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe Framemaker to the patched versions released in APSB24-37.
- Inventory endpoints running Framemaker 2020.5, 2022.3, or earlier and prioritize them for remediation.
- Restrict opening of Framemaker documents received from external or untrusted sources until patching is complete.
- Enforce least-privilege user accounts so that exploitation does not yield administrative access.
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds of Framemaker in security bulletin Adobe Security Patch APSB24-37. Apply the updates through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application or by downloading installers directly from Adobe. Confirm the installed version reports higher than 2020.5 or 2022.3 after patching.
Workarounds
- Block delivery of Framemaker file extensions (.fm, .mif, .book) at email gateways when business workflows permit.
- Open untrusted documents inside an isolated virtual machine or sandbox with no network access.
- Apply Windows Defender Application Control or AppLocker policies to restrict Framemaker execution to authorized users.
# Query installed Framemaker version on Windows endpoints
Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\*" |
Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "*FrameMaker*" } |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, InstallLocation
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
