CVE-2020-9682
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a symlink vulnerability in Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application that allows attackers to write arbitrary files to the filesystem. It affects users running Creative Cloud Desktop Application versions 5.1 and earlier. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation or system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise through arbitrary file writes leading to privilege escalation, remote code execution, or complete data loss.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain administrative privileges on the affected system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and user privilege separation are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the system and knowledge of symlink manipulation techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/creative-cloud/apsb20-33.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application. 2. Click on the gear icon. 3. Select 'Preferences'. 4. Go to 'Apps' tab. 5. Click 'Update' next to Creative Cloud Desktop App. 6. Restart the application after update completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable versions
allUninstall affected Creative Cloud Desktop Application versions
Windows: Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Adobe Creative Cloud
macOS: sudo /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Desktop Common/HDBox/Setup --uninstall=1
Restrict user privileges
allRun Creative Cloud with limited user privileges to reduce attack surface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file system permissions and monitor for symlink creation
- Isolate affected systems from critical network segments and implement application whitelisting
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Creative Cloud Desktop Application version in application settings or About dialogCheck Version:
Windows: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud\ACC\Creative Cloud.exe" --version, macOS: /Applications/Utilities/Adobe Creative Cloud/ACC/Creative Cloud.app/Contents/MacOS/Creative Cloud --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 5.2 or later in application settings📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected symlink creation in Creative Cloud directories
- File permission changes in system directories
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Creative Cloud process
SIEM Query:
process_name:"Creative Cloud.exe" AND (event_type:"file_create" OR event_type:"file_modify") AND file_path:"*symlink*"