CVE-2025-14414 is a vulnerability identified in Soda PDF Desktop version 14.0.509.23030, classified under CWE-356, which pertains to insufficient user interface warnings for unsafe actions. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of Word files within the application. The root cause is that the product UI does not adequately warn users when potentially dangerous scripts embedded in Word documents are executed. This lack of warning enables remote attackers to craft malicious Word 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 vulnerability. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 7.8, indicating high severity, with the vector string AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack requires local access (local vector), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as arbitrary code execution can lead to full system compromise. No patches or known exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability has been assigned and published by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-27496. The absence of UI warnings increases the risk of social engineering attacks, as users may unknowingly trigger the exploit. Organizations relying on Soda PDF Desktop for document processing are at risk, especially if they handle untrusted Word files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure UI design to prevent unsafe script execution without explicit user consent.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for remote code execution leading to system compromise. Confidentiality could be breached if attackers access sensitive documents or credentials. Integrity may be undermined by unauthorized modification of files or system settings. Availability could be affected if attackers deploy ransomware or disrupt services. Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, legal, and healthcare, which frequently process Word documents, are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. Given the high CVSS score and the widespread use of Soda PDF Desktop in Europe, exploitation could lead to data breaches, operational disruption, and reputational damage. The lack of patches increases the urgency for interim mitigations. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against critical infrastructure or high-value targets within Europe.

1. Immediately restrict or disable the use of Soda PDF Desktop version 14.0.509.23030 until a vendor patch is released. 2. Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to block or quarantine Word files from untrusted sources. 3. Educate users to recognize phishing attempts and avoid opening suspicious Word documents or links. 4. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the execution context of Soda PDF Desktop and isolate it from critical systems. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for unusual process behavior indicative of exploitation. 6. Enforce the principle of least privilege to minimize the impact of code execution under user accounts. 7. Regularly audit and update security policies regarding document handling and software usage. 8. Monitor vendor communications for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly. 9. Consider alternative PDF tools with better security track records if immediate patching is not feasible. 10. Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments focusing on document processing workflows to identify potential exploitation paths.