Attack code published for 'critical' Photoshop flaw
Published: 27 Apr 2007 12:14 BST
Exploit code that could take advantage of a "highly critical" security flaw in the most recent versions of Adobe Photoshop has been published, a security researcher reported.
The security flaw affects Adobe Photoshop CS3, as well as CS2, according to a security advisory issued by Secunia on Wednesday.
The vulnerability concerns the way Adobe Photoshop handles the processing of malicious bitmap files, such as .bmp, .dib and .rle. A malicious attacker could exploit the flaw to launch a buffer overflow attack. That buffer overflow would then allow the intruder to take over a user's system.
Although a security researcher has published code to demonstrate how to exploit the vulnerability, Secunia has yet to detect any malicious use of the code, said Thomas Kristensen, Secunia's chief technology officer.
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"There are no active exploits out there yet, but any attacks will be limited," Kristensen said. "Photoshop is primarily used by advertising agencies and image editors and not a lot of private individuals."
Until Adobe Systems develops a fix, Secunia advises users to forgo opening bitmap files where the source of the file is not clear or verifiable.
A researcher named Marsu is credited with discovering the vulnerability.
Adobe, meanwhile, issued a statement saying it has been notified of the potential Photoshop security flaw and is investigating the issue.
Adobe recently released Photoshop CS3, which is part of its larger Creative Suite 3 product line, or next-generation design and web applications. Adobe noted that it will update customers on its Photoshop CS3 investigation as it learns more.
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