CVE-2024-30290 Overview
CVE-2024-30290 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.5, 2022.3, and earlier. The flaw allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction: a victim must open a malicious file crafted by the attacker. Adobe published fixes in security advisory APSB24-37.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the user running Adobe Framemaker, which can lead to full compromise of the affected workstation.
Affected Products
- Adobe Framemaker 2020.5 and earlier 2020.x releases
- Adobe Framemaker 2022.3 and earlier 2022.x releases
- Microsoft Windows installations running the affected Framemaker versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-16 - CVE-2024-30290 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-30290
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write condition in Adobe Framemaker's file parsing logic. When Framemaker processes a maliciously crafted document, the application writes data past the boundary of an allocated memory buffer. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent structures, function pointers, or return addresses.
An attacker who controls the values written out of bounds can redirect execution flow into attacker-supplied shellcode or existing gadgets. Because Framemaker runs in the user's session, executed code inherits the user's privileges, file access, and network reachability.
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. A victim must be induced to open a malicious .fm, .mif, or related Framemaker document, typically delivered via email, chat, or a web download.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds checking during parsing of untrusted document data. Framemaker copies attacker-controlled fields into a fixed-size buffer without validating the source length against the destination size. Out-of-bounds write issues [CWE-787] are a common precursor to memory corruption exploits when combined with predictable heap or stack layout.
Attack Vector
The attacker crafts a malformed Framemaker document containing oversized or malformed structures that trigger the out-of-bounds write when parsed. Delivery relies on social engineering, since the file must be opened by an authenticated Windows user. No network access to the target is required, and no elevated privileges are needed to trigger the flaw.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available in ExploitDB, and the CVE is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-37 for vendor details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30290
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe, especially command interpreters such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or wscript.exe.
- Framemaker process crashes or Windows Error Reporting (WER) entries referencing access violations during document open operations.
- Framemaker documents (.fm, .mif, .book) received from untrusted sources or arriving in email attachments and downloads immediately prior to anomalous activity.
- Outbound network connections initiated by FrameMaker.exe to previously unseen external hosts.
Detection Strategies
- Alert on FrameMaker.exe creating child processes outside of a known baseline, particularly scripting hosts or LOLBins.
- Correlate document-open events with subsequent file writes to persistence locations such as Startup, Run registry keys, or scheduled task creation.
- Inspect suspicious Framemaker files at the mail and web gateway for structural anomalies before delivery to endpoints.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Windows process creation logging (Event ID 4688) with command-line auditing on workstations that run Framemaker.
- Forward endpoint telemetry to a central data lake or SIEM and pivot on process ancestry rooted at FrameMaker.exe.
- Track application crash telemetry to identify exploitation attempts that fail before achieving code execution.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30290
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Framemaker to the fixed releases identified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-37.
- Inventory all Windows endpoints running Framemaker 2020.x and 2022.x and prioritize authoring workstations for patching.
- Instruct users to open Framemaker documents only from trusted sources and to report unexpected .fm, .mif, or .book attachments.
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds for Framemaker 2020 and Framemaker 2022 through advisory APSB24-37. Administrators should download the latest installers from Adobe and validate the deployed build number after upgrade. The patch supersedes vulnerable parsing code that produced the out-of-bounds write.
Workarounds
- Restrict Framemaker installations to users who require the application and remove it from general-purpose workstations.
- Block inbound Framemaker file types at email and web gateways when business workflows do not require them.
- Run Framemaker under a standard user account rather than an administrator to limit the impact of successful exploitation.
- Apply Windows attack surface reduction rules that block Office and productivity applications from creating child processes where feasible.
# Example: inventory Framemaker installs across Windows endpoints via PowerShell
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_Product |
Where-Object { $_.Name -like 'Adobe FrameMaker*' } |
Select-Object PSComputerName, Name, Version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
