CVE-2024-47452 Overview
CVE-2024-47452 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe Illustrator versions 28.7.1 and earlier. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The attack requires local access and user interaction: the victim must open a malicious file crafted by an attacker. Adobe published a security advisory (APSB24-87) addressing the flaw.
Critical Impact
An attacker who convinces a user to open a malicious Illustrator file can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, enabling installation of malware, credential theft, or lateral movement.
Affected Products
- Adobe Illustrator 28.7.1 and earlier
- Adobe Illustrator on Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Illustrator on Apple macOS
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-12 - CVE-2024-47452 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-47452
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-47452 is classified as an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787]. The flaw resides in the file-parsing logic of Adobe Illustrator, where a crafted document causes the application to write data beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. Out-of-bounds writes can corrupt adjacent heap or stack memory, overwrite function pointers, and enable an attacker to redirect execution flow to attacker-controlled data.
The attack vector is local. Exploitation requires the victim to open a malicious file, so delivery typically relies on phishing emails, malicious downloads, or shared design assets from untrusted sources. Successful exploitation yields code execution with the privileges of the user running Illustrator.
Root Cause
The vulnerability stems from improper validation of input data during parsing of Illustrator file formats. When the application processes malformed structures within the file, it calculates or trusts a length or offset value that exceeds the destination buffer size. Adobe has not published low-level technical details beyond the advisory. See the Adobe Illustrator Security Advisory for vendor guidance.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious Illustrator-compatible file and delivers it to the target through email, a compromised website, or a file-sharing channel. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable version of Illustrator, the parser triggers the out-of-bounds write. The attacker then leverages the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code within the user's session. No prior authentication to any Adobe service is required.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-47452
Indicators of Compromise
- Illustrator process (Illustrator.exe on Windows or Adobe Illustrator on macOS) spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or shell interpreters.
- Unexpected crashes or repeated exception events logged by Illustrator when opening third-party design files.
- Outbound network connections from the Illustrator process to unfamiliar hosts shortly after a file is opened.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for anomalous process trees originating from Illustrator, particularly execution of scripting engines or command shells.
- Alert on file writes to persistence locations (Startup folders, Run keys, LaunchAgents) initiated by the Illustrator process.
- Inspect newly received .ai, .eps, .pdf, and related design files at the email gateway and web proxy for known malicious signatures.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Maintain an inventory of installed Illustrator versions across all endpoints and flag hosts still running 28.7.1 or earlier.
- Enable and centralize Illustrator crash reports to identify potential exploitation attempts against parser code paths.
- Correlate user-opened document events with subsequent process, file, and network activity to detect post-exploitation behavior.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-47452
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe Illustrator to the version identified in the vendor advisory (APSB24-87) on all Windows and macOS endpoints.
- Instruct users to open only Illustrator files received from trusted sources and to avoid opening unsolicited design files.
- Prioritize patching of workstations used by designers who routinely receive files from external clients or vendors.
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed versions of Illustrator that address CVE-2024-47452. Refer to the Adobe Illustrator Security Advisory for the specific patched version numbers, download links, and platform-specific installation instructions.
Workarounds
- If immediate patching is not possible, restrict opening of Illustrator files to those originating from verified internal sources.
- Apply application allow-listing and least-privilege policies so that any code executed by Illustrator inherits limited user rights.
- Use email and web content filtering to block or quarantine Illustrator file attachments from untrusted senders.
# Verify installed Adobe Illustrator version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Illustrator" /s | findstr /i "Version"
# Verify installed Adobe Illustrator version on macOS
defaults read "/Applications/Adobe Illustrator 2024/Adobe Illustrator.app/Contents/Info.plist" CFBundleShortVersionString
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
