CVE-2024-49538 Overview
CVE-2024-49538 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] in Adobe Illustrator versions 29.0.0, 28.7.2, and earlier. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The flaw requires user interaction: a victim must open a crafted malicious file for the exploit to trigger. Adobe published patches through security advisory APSB24-94. The vulnerability affects Illustrator on both Windows and macOS platforms.
Critical Impact
An attacker who convinces a user to open a malicious Illustrator file can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full compromise of the endpoint.
Affected Products
- Adobe Illustrator 29.0.0 and earlier
- Adobe Illustrator 28.7.2 and earlier
- Adobe Illustrator on Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-10 - CVE-2024-49538 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-49538
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-49538 is classified as an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] in Adobe Illustrator's file parsing logic. The vulnerability occurs when Illustrator processes a specially crafted file, causing the application to write data past the boundary of an allocated memory buffer. Attackers can leverage this memory corruption to overwrite adjacent structures, control program flow, and ultimately execute arbitrary code. The attack vector is local and requires user interaction, so exploitation typically involves social engineering to deliver a malicious .ai, .eps, or related Illustrator-supported file.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient boundary validation during parsing of untrusted Illustrator file content. When the affected code paths process malformed structures within the file, size or index fields are not properly validated against the destination buffer. The resulting write operation extends beyond the allocated region, corrupting heap or stack memory. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-94 for vendor-provided technical context.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires the attacker to deliver a malicious Illustrator file to a target and convince the user to open it. Common delivery methods include phishing emails with attachments, malicious downloads, and shared cloud storage links. Once the file is opened, the parser executes the crafted structure and triggers the out-of-bounds write. Code executes with the privileges of the user running Illustrator, granting access to that user's files, credentials, and network resources.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49538
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Illustrator crashes or hangs immediately after opening a document received from an untrusted source.
- Illustrator processes (Illustrator.exe on Windows, Adobe Illustrator on macOS) spawning child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or shell interpreters.
- Newly created executables, scripts, or scheduled tasks within the timeframe of an Illustrator session.
- Outbound network connections initiated by Illustrator to unfamiliar hosts.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for anomalous child processes launched by Illustrator, a strong indicator of successful memory corruption exploitation.
- Alert on file writes to sensitive directories (%AppData%, %Temp%, ~/Library/LaunchAgents) originating from the Illustrator process.
- Correlate Illustrator process crashes with subsequent persistence or credential access events on the same host.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Inventory Illustrator installations across the estate and flag versions at or below 29.0.0 and 28.7.2.
- Ingest email gateway and web proxy logs to hunt for delivery of Illustrator file formats from external senders.
- Track user-opened documents via endpoint logging to accelerate incident scoping if exploitation is suspected.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49538
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe Illustrator to the fixed versions listed in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-94 on all Windows and macOS endpoints.
- Prioritize patching for users who regularly receive Illustrator files from external parties, such as designers and marketing teams.
- Educate users to avoid opening Illustrator files from untrusted or unverified sources.
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed versions of Illustrator addressing CVE-2024-49538 through security bulletin APSB24-94. Administrators should deploy the update via Adobe Creative Cloud or their standard software distribution channel. Verify successful patch deployment by checking the installed Illustrator version against the fixed version documented in the vendor advisory.
Workarounds
- Restrict opening of Illustrator file formats from email attachments and untrusted external sources until patching completes.
- Apply application allowlisting or endpoint policies that block child process creation from Illustrator to reduce post-exploitation impact.
- Run Illustrator under standard user accounts rather than administrative accounts to limit the blast radius of successful exploitation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
