CVE-2025-1079 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Google Web Designer, specifically its preview feature on macOS and Linux platforms. The root cause is improper symbolic link resolution, classified under CWE-61 (Improper Restriction of Symbolic Links in a File System). This flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious symbolic links that, when processed by the preview feature, can lead to client-side remote code execution (RCE). The vulnerability requires local access (AV:L) but no privileges (PR:N) and only limited user interaction (UI:R) to trigger. Successful exploitation can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as the attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Google Web Designer. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects the high impact and relatively low attack complexity. No known exploits are currently in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The vulnerability primarily affects the preview functionality, which is used by designers to test their work locally, making it a targeted attack vector for users of this software on macOS and Linux. Given the nature of symbolic link exploitation, attackers could potentially escalate local access or trick users into opening malicious projects, leading to compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-1079 can be significant, especially those involved in digital content creation, marketing, and web design that rely on Google Web Designer. Compromise of developer or designer workstations could lead to theft of intellectual property, insertion of malicious code into web assets, or lateral movement within corporate networks. Since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, the risk is higher in environments where endpoint security is lax or where users may be targeted with social engineering. The high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact means that sensitive design files and potentially broader systems could be affected. Organizations in sectors such as media, advertising, and software development could face operational disruptions and reputational damage if exploited. Additionally, the lack of a patch at this time increases the window of exposure.

1. Restrict usage of Google Web Designer preview feature on macOS and Linux systems until a patch is available. 2. Implement strict endpoint security controls to prevent unauthorized local access, including strong user authentication and session management. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted project files and the dangers of social engineering attacks that could lead to exploitation. 4. Employ file system monitoring tools to detect suspicious symbolic link creation or access patterns. 5. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Google Web Designer and reduce the impact of potential exploitation. 6. Regularly review and update security policies to include controls for development and design tools. 7. Monitor vendor communications closely for patch releases and apply updates promptly once available.