CVE-2021-45058 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) found in Adobe InDesign version 16.4 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when Adobe InDesign improperly handles certain JPEG files, leading to a condition where the software writes data outside the bounds of allocated memory. Such out-of-bounds writes can corrupt memory, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens a crafted malicious JPEG file within Adobe InDesign. The vulnerability does not appear to require elevated privileges or authentication, but successful exploitation depends on tricking the user into opening the malicious file. There are no known exploits in the wild reported to date, and no official patches or updates have been linked in the provided data. The vulnerability's medium severity classification reflects the balance between the potential impact of arbitrary code execution and the requirement for user interaction. The flaw could be leveraged by attackers to execute malicious payloads, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or lateral movement within a network if the user has sufficient privileges. Since Adobe InDesign is widely used in creative industries for desktop publishing and design, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to organizations and individuals handling untrusted image files in professional environments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-45058 could be significant in sectors relying heavily on Adobe InDesign, such as media, publishing, advertising, and graphic design firms. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to compromise confidentiality by accessing sensitive design files or intellectual property. Integrity could be affected if attackers modify documents or templates, potentially disrupting workflows or causing reputational damage. Availability impact is likely limited but could occur if the exploit causes application crashes or system instability. Given that exploitation requires user interaction, social engineering or phishing campaigns targeting employees in creative roles could be a vector. The medium severity suggests that while the risk is not critical, organizations should not ignore the vulnerability, especially those with high-value design assets or regulatory requirements for data protection. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as footholds for further attacks within corporate networks, increasing the overall risk posture.

1. Implement strict email and file handling policies to prevent opening untrusted or unsolicited JPEG files, especially those received from unknown sources. 2. Educate users in creative and design departments about the risks of opening suspicious image files and encourage verification of file origins. 3. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to Adobe InDesign processes, such as unexpected memory writes or code injections. 4. Use application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code and monitor Adobe InDesign's runtime behavior. 5. Isolate Adobe InDesign usage to dedicated workstations with limited network privileges to contain potential exploitation impact. 6. Regularly review and apply Adobe security advisories and updates as they become available, even though no patch is currently linked, to ensure timely remediation. 7. Consider sandboxing or running Adobe InDesign in virtualized environments to limit the scope of any successful exploit. 8. Monitor network traffic for unusual outbound connections that could indicate post-exploitation activity.