CVE-2022-23198 : Security Advisory and Response

Adobe Illustrator versions 25.4.3 and 26.0.2 are affected by a Null pointer dereference vulnerability, allowing an attacker to cause a denial-of-service attack. The CVE was made public on February 8, 2022.

Understanding CVE-2022-23198

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2022-23198 vulnerability affecting Adobe Illustrator.

What is CVE-2022-23198?

CVE-2022-23198 is a Null pointer dereference vulnerability impacting Adobe Illustrator versions 25.4.3 and 26.0.2. This vulnerability could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker to trigger a denial-of-service attack within the user's context.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23198

The vulnerability poses a medium severity threat with a CVSS base score of 5.5. It requires low complexity for the attack vector and high impact on availability. However, it does not affect confidentiality or integrity, and no special privileges are needed for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23198

This section provides deeper insights into the technical aspects of CVE-2022-23198.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2022-23198 is classified as a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability (CWE-476). It specifically involves a situation where a pointer appears to be pointing to a valid object but is actually a null pointer, leading to critical errors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Illustrator versions 25.4.3 and 26.0.2 are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability, potentially leaving systems running these versions at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2022-23198 requires user interaction, where a victim unintentionally opens a malicious file triggering the null pointer dereference flaw.

Mitigation and Prevention

Outlined below are the strategies to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2022-23198 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Adobe Illustrator software to versions beyond 25.4.3 and 26.0.2. Exercise caution when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources to prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions and implement security best practices, such as avoiding interactions with suspicious or unverified files to reduce exposure to vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Adobe may release patches or updates to address the CVE-2022-23198 vulnerability. Stay informed about security advisories and apply necessary patches promptly to protect systems.