CVE-2025-14404 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-356, indicating insufficient user interface warnings for unsafe actions in PDFsam Enhanced, specifically version 7.0.76.15222. The vulnerability is triggered during the processing of XLS files, where the application executes embedded scripts without adequately warning the user about the potential risks. This lack of UI warning allows attackers to craft malicious XLS files that, when opened by a user, execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. The attack vector requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the file processing. The CVSS v3.0 score of 7.0 reflects a high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for remote code execution and the broad impact on system security. The vulnerability was reserved and published in December 2025, with the original discovery credited to the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) under ZDI-CAN-27498. No patches or updates have been linked yet, indicating that affected users must rely on mitigation until an official fix is released.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk, especially for those relying on PDFsam Enhanced for document management and processing. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, resulting in data breaches, system compromise, or ransomware deployment. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive corporate or personal data could be exposed or altered, disrupting business operations. Given the requirement for user interaction, phishing campaigns or malicious document distribution could be effective attack vectors. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and government, face increased compliance risks and potential legal consequences if exploited. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the presence of a high-severity vulnerability necessitates urgent attention to prevent future attacks.

European organizations should immediately audit their environments to identify installations of PDFsam Enhanced version 7.0.76.15222 and restrict usage until a patch is available. Implement strict email and web filtering to block or quarantine XLS files from untrusted sources. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious XLS files and encourage verification before interacting with such documents. Employ application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of scripts embedded in documents. Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation can limit the lateral movement if a compromise occurs. Regularly check for vendor updates or patches and apply them promptly once released. Consider disabling or restricting the processing of XLS files within PDFsam Enhanced if feasible. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to enable recovery in case of successful exploitation.