CVE-2024-47425 Overview
CVE-2024-47425 is an integer underflow vulnerability affecting Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.6, 2022.4, and earlier. The flaw is classified under [CWE-191] Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) and enables arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction: a victim must open a malicious Framemaker file crafted by the attacker. The vulnerability affects Framemaker installations on Microsoft Windows systems. Adobe addressed the issue in security advisory APSB24-82.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation lets an attacker run arbitrary code with the privileges of the user opening the crafted file, enabling malware installation, credential theft, or lateral movement.
Affected Products
- Adobe Framemaker 2020.6 and earlier 2020.x releases
- Adobe Framemaker 2022.4 and earlier 2022.x releases
- Microsoft Windows hosts running affected Framemaker versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-09 - CVE-2024-47425 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-47425
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-47425 stems from an integer underflow condition in Adobe Framemaker's file parsing logic. An integer underflow occurs when an arithmetic operation produces a value below the minimum representable value for the integer type, causing the value to wrap around to a large positive number. When Framemaker uses that wrapped value as a size, offset, or loop bound, downstream memory operations reference unintended regions.
The result is memory corruption that an attacker can shape into arbitrary code execution. Because the process runs in the context of the current user, the attacker inherits that user's permissions on the host. Local administrator accounts opening the malicious file expose the entire endpoint.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incorrect validation of a signed or unsigned integer value derived from attacker-controlled file content. When the value is decremented or subtracted below zero, the wrap-around produces an out-of-range size or index. Framemaker then uses that corrupted value to allocate, copy, or index memory, corrupting adjacent heap or stack structures.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted Framemaker document (for example, .fm, .book, or .mif content) through phishing, a shared drive, or a compromised website. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable Framemaker build, the parser processes the malformed structure, triggering the integer underflow and the resulting memory corruption chain that leads to code execution.
No verified public proof-of-concept exists. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-82 for vendor-provided technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-47425
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe, particularly cmd.exe, powershell.exe, wscript.exe, or rundll32.exe.
- Framemaker document files delivered from external email, unmanaged shares, or browser downloads immediately before a Framemaker crash event.
- Windows Error Reporting entries showing FrameMaker.exe faults referencing heap or access violation exceptions.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for process-lineage anomalies where FrameMaker.exe is the parent of shell, scripting, or living-off-the-land binaries.
- Alert on Framemaker processes making outbound network connections or writing executables to user-writable directories such as %APPDATA% and %TEMP%.
- Inspect email and web gateways for Framemaker file extensions originating from untrusted senders.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line and process-creation logging (Sysmon Event ID 1, Windows Event ID 4688) on workstations running Framemaker.
- Track file-write events from FrameMaker.exe to autorun and startup locations.
- Correlate endpoint identification data with mail-gateway telemetry to trace malicious document delivery paths.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-47425
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe Framemaker to the fixed releases identified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-82.
- Inventory endpoints running Framemaker 2020.6, 2022.4, or earlier and prioritize patch deployment.
- Instruct users to open Framemaker files only from trusted internal sources until patching is complete.
Patch Information
Adobe released updated versions of Framemaker 2020 and 2022 that remediate CVE-2024-47425. Administrators should apply the fixed builds referenced in APSB24-82 through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application or enterprise deployment tooling. Verify installed versions after deployment by checking Help > About Adobe Framemaker.
Workarounds
- Restrict Framemaker execution to a limited group of users through application allowlisting until patches are applied.
- Block inbound Framemaker file extensions at email and web gateways from external senders.
- Configure Windows Attack Surface Reduction rules to block Office and productivity applications from spawning child processes where feasible.
# Configuration example: verify installed Framemaker version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\FrameMaker" /s | findstr /i "Version"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
