Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server: Improper Authentication
CVE-2024-20738 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server from Adobe, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server versions: 2022.1 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.06% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 65% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on helpx.adobe.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe | Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server | 2022.1 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | framemaker_publishing_server | 2022.1 and earlier; 2020 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (adobe.com).
Official description
Adobe FrameMaker Publishing Server versions 2022.1 and earlier are affected by an Improper Authentication vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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