CVE-2024-39378 Overview
CVE-2024-39378 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe Audition versions 24.4.1, 23.6.6, and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a maliciously crafted file. Exploitation requires user interaction, which limits mass-exploitation scenarios but remains relevant for targeted attacks against audio production environments.
Adobe published security advisory APSB24-54 addressing this issue. The vulnerability affects Audition installations on both Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user, enabling malware deployment, credential theft, or lateral movement from the compromised workstation.
Affected Products
- Adobe Audition 24.4.1 and earlier (24.x branch)
- Adobe Audition 23.6.6 and earlier (23.x branch)
- Adobe Audition on Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-11 - CVE-2024-39378 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-39378
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-39378 is an out-of-bounds write condition in Adobe Audition's file parsing routines. When Audition processes a specially crafted media or project file, it writes data past the boundary of an allocated buffer. This memory corruption allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory structures, including function pointers or return addresses used during execution.
An attacker who controls the contents of the malicious file can direct the process to execute attacker-supplied instructions. Because Audition typically runs with standard user privileges, the resulting code execution inherits those permissions. From that foothold, attackers can drop payloads, establish persistence, or pivot into broader enterprise resources accessible to the user.
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. Delivery methods commonly include email attachments, download links, or shared project files distributed through collaboration platforms used by audio and video production teams.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of size or index values during the parsing of untrusted file inputs. The affected code writes data to a memory location outside the intended buffer bounds, which is characteristic of [CWE-787] Out-of-bounds Write conditions. Adobe has not published the specific file format or parsing routine involved in advisory APSB24-54.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious audio session, project, or media file that triggers the out-of-bounds write when parsed. The attacker delivers the file to a target user through phishing, watering-hole distribution, or shared production workflows. Opening the file in a vulnerable Audition build causes memory corruption and executes the embedded payload. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-54 for vendor guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-39378
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by Adobe Audition.exe or Adobe Audition on macOS, particularly command interpreters such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or /bin/sh.
- Adobe Audition process crashes correlated with the opening of untrusted project or media files from email, downloads, or removable media.
- Outbound network connections initiated by the Audition process to previously unseen or non-Adobe infrastructure.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for Audition process anomalies including thread injection, memory allocation with RWX permissions, and abnormal module loads.
- Alert on Audition writing executable files, LNK files, or scheduled task artifacts to user-writable paths.
- Correlate Audition file-open events with subsequent process creation events to identify document-triggered execution chains.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Inventory Audition installations across managed endpoints and flag hosts running versions at or below 24.4.1 and 23.6.6.
- Track email and web gateway telemetry for delivery of Audition project files (.sesx, .ses) and audio formats from untrusted senders.
- Review crash telemetry from Windows Error Reporting and macOS crash logs for repeated Audition faults consistent with exploitation attempts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-39378
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Audition to the fixed versions listed in advisory APSB24-54 on all Windows and macOS endpoints.
- Prioritize patching for users who routinely handle third-party or externally sourced audio project files.
- Restrict the opening of untrusted Audition project files until patches are deployed enterprise-wide.
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds through security bulletin APSB24-54. Administrators should deploy the updates using the Creative Cloud desktop application or enterprise deployment tooling such as the Adobe Admin Console. Full details are available in the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-54.
Workarounds
- Block delivery of Audition project files and uncommon audio formats from external senders at the email gateway until patching is complete.
- Enforce least-privilege by ensuring Audition users do not operate with local administrator rights, limiting the impact of code execution.
- Use application allowlisting to prevent Audition from spawning script interpreters or unsigned child processes.
# Verify installed Adobe Audition version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Audition" /s | findstr /i "Version"
# Verify installed Adobe Audition version on macOS
defaults read "/Applications/Adobe Audition 2024/Adobe Audition 2024.app/Contents/Info.plist" CFBundleShortVersionString
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
