CVE-2024-30291 Overview
CVE-2024-30291 is an out-of-bounds write 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 specially crafted file. Exploitation requires user interaction, limiting remote attack scenarios but enabling social engineering campaigns targeting technical documentation teams.
The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-787 (Out-of-Bounds Write) and impacts Adobe Framemaker installations on Microsoft Windows. Adobe published patch bulletin APSB24-37 addressing this and related Framemaker vulnerabilities.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants attackers arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise on unpatched workstations.
Affected Products
- Adobe Framemaker 2020.5 and earlier
- Adobe Framemaker 2022.3 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows platforms running affected Framemaker versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-16 - CVE-2024-30291 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-30291
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-30291 stems from improper bounds checking during file parsing operations within Adobe Framemaker. When Framemaker processes a malformed document, the application writes data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This out-of-bounds write can corrupt adjacent memory structures, including function pointers, virtual method tables, and heap metadata.
Attackers craft malicious .fm or related Framemaker document files containing manipulated structural elements. Opening such a file triggers the parsing path that fails to validate size or offset values. The attacker controls both the destination and content of the write operation, enabling reliable memory corruption exploitation.
The vulnerability requires local file access and user interaction, aligning with typical document-based attack chains delivered through phishing emails or compromised file shares.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient boundary validation in Framemaker's document parsing routines. The parser trusts length or offset fields embedded in the input file without verifying they fall within allocated buffer boundaries. This CWE-787 pattern is a recurring issue in complex document format parsers that handle numerous legacy structures.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious Framemaker document and delivers it to the target through email attachments, malicious downloads, or shared network locations. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable Framemaker installation, the parser triggers the out-of-bounds write, allowing the attacker to hijack execution flow and run arbitrary code with the user's privileges.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for CVE-2024-30291. See the Adobe Security Patch APSB24-37 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30291
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe, particularly command shells, PowerShell, or scripting hosts
- Framemaker process crashes with access violation exceptions correlated with recently opened documents
- Framemaker documents originating from untrusted external sources or unusual email attachments
- Outbound network connections initiated by the Framemaker process to unfamiliar hosts
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process creation events where FrameMaker.exe is the parent of cmd.exe, powershell.exe, wscript.exe, or rundll32.exe
- Alert on Windows Error Reporting events indicating Framemaker crashes with exception codes such as 0xC0000005
- Inspect file writes to persistence locations (Startup folders, Run registry keys) following Framemaker document opens
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable module load and image load telemetry for the Framemaker process to identify unexpected DLLs
- Track email gateway telemetry for .fm, .book, and related Framemaker file extensions from external senders
- Correlate endpoint detection alerts with document open events from technical writing teams
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30291
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Framemaker to the versions released in Adobe Security Bulletin APSB24-37
- Inventory all workstations running Adobe Framemaker and prioritize patching for users handling external documents
- Restrict opening Framemaker files received from untrusted sources until patches are applied
Patch Information
Adobe addressed CVE-2024-30291 in Security Bulletin APSB24-37. Administrators should deploy the fixed Framemaker releases to all affected endpoints. Verify installations post-patch by confirming the application version through Framemaker's About dialog or Windows installed programs list.
Workarounds
- Block inbound .fm, .book, .mif, and related Framemaker file extensions at the email gateway when not required for business operations
- Apply application allowlisting policies that restrict Framemaker from spawning shell or scripting interpreters
- Train technical documentation staff to validate the source of Framemaker files before opening
- Isolate Framemaker workstations from sensitive network segments where feasible
# Example: Block Framemaker from launching common LOLBin child processes via Windows Defender ASR-style policy
# 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.
