CVE-2024-39394 Overview
CVE-2024-39394 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID19.4, ID18.5.2, and earlier. The flaw allows attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a crafted InDesign file. Exploitation requires user interaction, limiting mass exploitation but making the flaw viable for targeted phishing and social engineering campaigns. Adobe published the fix in security advisory APSB24-56 on August 14, 2024. The vulnerability affects 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 installation, credential theft, and lateral movement from a single malicious document.
Affected Products
- Adobe InDesign Desktop version ID19.4 and earlier (19.x branch)
- Adobe InDesign Desktop version ID18.5.2 and earlier (18.x branch)
- Adobe InDesign on Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-14 - Adobe releases security advisory APSB24-56 with patched builds
- 2024-08-14 - CVE-2024-39394 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-39394
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-39394 is an out-of-bounds write condition in the file parsing logic of Adobe InDesign Desktop. The vulnerability triggers when InDesign processes a specially crafted document. During parsing, the application writes data past the boundaries of an allocated buffer, corrupting adjacent memory structures. An attacker who controls the layout of memory around the overflowed buffer can overwrite function pointers, virtual table entries, or return addresses. This control leads to hijacked execution flow and arbitrary code execution within the current user context. The attack is local and requires the victim to open the malicious file.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds checking [CWE-787] on a memory write operation during document processing. InDesign trusts size or offset values embedded in the input file without validating them against the actual size of the destination buffer. Adobe has not published the specific file format component or function responsible. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-56 for vendor details.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker crafts a malicious .indd, .indt, or related InDesign format file and delivers it through email, cloud storage links, or a compromised website. The victim must open the file in a vulnerable version of InDesign to trigger the out-of-bounds write. Because InDesign files are common in publishing and creative workflows, targeted spear-phishing against designers, marketing teams, and agency staff is a realistic delivery method.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is available at the time of publication. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-56 for further technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-39394
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by InDesign.exe on Windows or Adobe InDesign on macOS, particularly command shells, powershell.exe, cmd.exe, or bash
- Crashes of the InDesign process followed by unusual outbound network connections from the user session
- InDesign document files (.indd, .indt, .idml) received from untrusted external sources or downloaded from unfamiliar domains
- New persistence entries (scheduled tasks, LaunchAgents, Run keys) created shortly after an InDesign file is opened
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for process-lineage anomalies where InDesign spawns interpreters, script hosts, or LOLBins not associated with normal design workflows
- Correlate InDesign crash telemetry with subsequent process creation, file write, or network events within a short time window
- Inspect email gateways and web proxies for InDesign document attachments originating from external or newly registered domains
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for memory-corruption crash signatures in InDesign.exe and related helper processes
- Track version inventory of Adobe InDesign across managed endpoints and flag installations below ID19.5 and ID18.5.3
- Alert on InDesign process activity that includes file writes to startup directories or modification of browser and mail client configuration
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-39394
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe InDesign to the fixed versions listed in APSB24-56 on all Windows and macOS endpoints without delay
- Block inbound InDesign document formats from external senders at the email gateway until patching is verified across the fleet
- Instruct users to open InDesign files from untrusted sources only inside an isolated or sandboxed environment
- Audit endpoint inventory to identify unmanaged or shadow-IT installations of vulnerable InDesign builds
Patch Information
Adobe addressed CVE-2024-39394 in the August 2024 security update. Administrators should upgrade to the fixed versions documented in the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-56. Updates are available through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application and Adobe enterprise deployment tools such as the Admin Console and Remote Update Manager.
Workarounds
- No official workaround exists; patching is the only supported remediation from Adobe
- Restrict opening of InDesign documents to files originating from trusted internal repositories until upgrades complete
- Enforce least-privilege user accounts so that code execution triggered by a malicious document runs without administrative rights
- Deploy application allowlisting and macro or script-execution controls to limit post-exploitation activity from InDesign child processes
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
