CVE-2025-14404 is a remote code execution vulnerability identified in PDFsam Enhanced, specifically affecting version 7.0.76.15222. The root cause is a CWE-356 weakness where the product's user interface does not warn users about unsafe actions when processing XLS files. This lack of warning allows maliciously crafted XLS files containing dangerous scripts to execute without sufficient user awareness. The vulnerability requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious XLS file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the file processing. Upon exploitation, arbitrary code runs with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise depending on user rights. The CVSS 3.0 vector (AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) indicates that the attack requires local access or user interaction, has high complexity, no privileges required, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability severely. No patches or known exploits are currently documented, but the vulnerability was published on December 23, 2025, and was reserved earlier that month by ZDI (ZDI-CAN-27498). This vulnerability highlights a critical UI design flaw that can be exploited via social engineering to bypass user caution mechanisms.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to significant security breaches, including unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and system downtime. Since the attack requires user interaction, phishing campaigns or malicious document distribution could be effective vectors, especially in sectors relying heavily on document management like finance, legal, and government. The arbitrary code execution capability means attackers could deploy malware, ransomware, or establish persistent access. Confidentiality is at high risk due to potential data exfiltration, integrity is compromised by unauthorized modifications, and availability can be disrupted by destructive payloads. The impact is amplified in environments where PDFsam Enhanced is widely used for document processing and where users have elevated privileges. European organizations with strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) face additional compliance risks if breaches occur. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation before widespread attacks emerge.

Organizations should immediately identify and inventory all instances of PDFsam Enhanced version 7.0.76.15222 and restrict usage until a patch or update is available. Implement strict policies to block or quarantine XLS files from untrusted sources and educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious documents. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious script execution. Network segmentation can limit the spread of potential compromise. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the impact of code execution under user contexts. Monitor security advisories from PDFsam for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once released. Consider disabling or restricting XLS file processing features in PDFsam Enhanced if feasible. Finally, enhance email filtering and phishing detection mechanisms to reduce the likelihood of malicious file delivery.