CVE-2024-47421 Overview
CVE-2024-47421 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability affecting Adobe FrameMaker versions 2020.6, 2022.4, and earlier. The flaw occurs when the application parses a crafted file, causing a read past the end of an allocated memory structure. An attacker can leverage this condition to execute code in the context of the current user.
Exploitation requires user interaction. A victim must open a malicious file for the attack chain to succeed. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-125] (Out-of-bounds Read) and is documented in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-82.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected workstation.
Affected Products
- Adobe FrameMaker 2020.6 and earlier
- Adobe FrameMaker 2022.4 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows platforms running the affected FrameMaker builds
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-09 - CVE-2024-47421 published to NVD
- 2024-10-09 - Adobe releases security advisory APSB24-82
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-47421
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Adobe FrameMaker's file parsing logic. When FrameMaker processes a maliciously crafted document, the parser reads beyond the boundaries of an allocated memory buffer. This out-of-bounds read exposes adjacent memory contents to attacker-controlled parsing routines.
An attacker who controls the file structure can influence subsequent operations that depend on the returned data. Combined with predictable memory layout, this primitive can be escalated to arbitrary code execution within the FrameMaker process. The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected host.
Exploitation is local and requires the victim to open the malicious file. FrameMaker is commonly used by technical documentation teams, making phishing-delivered .fm, .book, or related document formats a plausible delivery vector.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient bounds validation during structured file parsing. FrameMaker does not correctly verify that offset or length fields within the crafted document remain within the allocated buffer. Parsing routines then dereference memory past the allocation boundary, violating memory safety guarantees documented under [CWE-125].
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a weaponized FrameMaker-compatible document through email attachments, file shares, or malicious downloads. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable FrameMaker build, the parser triggers the out-of-bounds read and executes attacker-supplied code with the user's privileges.
The vulnerability manifests in FrameMaker's document parsing routines. Adobe has not published low-level technical details. Refer to Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-82 for vendor guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-47421
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe, such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or script interpreters.
- FrameMaker crashes with access-violation exceptions coinciding with opening documents from untrusted sources.
- Inbound FrameMaker document files (.fm, .book, .mif) delivered via email or external file shares from unverified senders.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process ancestry for FrameMaker spawning non-standard binaries or writing executables to user-writable paths.
- Alert on Windows Error Reporting or crash telemetry involving FrameMaker.exe following document opens.
- Correlate email gateway logs with endpoint file-open events for FrameMaker document extensions originating externally.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line auditing and Sysmon event IDs 1, 7, and 11 to capture FrameMaker process and file activity.
- Track version telemetry for Adobe FrameMaker across managed endpoints to identify unpatched builds.
- Feed endpoint and email telemetry into a centralized SIEM for cross-correlation of delivery and execution events.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-47421
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe FrameMaker to the fixed releases published in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-82.
- Restrict opening of FrameMaker documents received from external or untrusted sources until patches are applied.
- Educate users on the phishing risk associated with unsolicited document attachments.
Patch Information
Adobe published fixes in security bulletin APSB24-82 on October 8, 2024. Administrators should install the vendor-provided updates covering FrameMaker 2020.7 and 2022.5 or later. Consult the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-82 for exact build numbers and download instructions.
Workarounds
- Block inbound FrameMaker document extensions (.fm, .book, .mif) at the email gateway when business needs allow.
- Run FrameMaker under standard user accounts to limit the blast radius of successful exploitation.
- Apply application allow-listing to prevent FrameMaker from launching unauthorized child processes.
# Verify installed Adobe FrameMaker version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\FrameMaker" /s /v Version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
