CVE-2025-14420 is a path traversal vulnerability categorized under CWE-22 found in pdfforge PDF Architect version 9.1.74.23030. The vulnerability specifically affects the CBZ file parsing functionality where the software fails to properly validate user-supplied pathnames before performing file operations. This lack of validation allows an attacker to craft malicious CBZ files containing path traversal sequences (e.g., ../) that can escape the intended directory restrictions. When a user opens such a malicious CBZ file or visits a malicious webpage that triggers the parsing, the attacker can cause the software to write or execute arbitrary files outside the intended directories. This leads to remote code execution (RCE) in the context of the current user. The vulnerability requires user interaction (UI:R), no privileges are required (PR:N), and the attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must convince the user to open a malicious file or visit a malicious page. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H) because arbitrary code execution can lead to data theft, system compromise, or denial of service. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability was published on December 23, 2025, and was assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-27514. The absence of patches at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for mitigation. The vulnerability affects a widely used PDF editing tool, which is common in business and government environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of pdfforge PDF Architect in sectors such as finance, legal, government, and healthcare, where PDF manipulation is routine. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive documents, insertion of malicious payloads, or disruption of document workflows. The ability to execute arbitrary code with user-level privileges can be escalated further if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. This could result in lateral movement within networks, data breaches, or ransomware deployment. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious CBZ files. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces may be more exposed due to increased file sharing and use of external documents. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score indicates that once exploited, the impact could be severe.

1. Immediately restrict user privileges for running PDF Architect to the minimum necessary, ideally non-administrative accounts. 2. Implement strict file scanning policies for CBZ and other archive files before opening, using updated antivirus and endpoint detection tools capable of detecting path traversal payloads. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious CBZ files and visiting untrusted websites. 4. Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual file access patterns or execution of unexpected binaries originating from PDF Architect processes. 5. Apply application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code spawned by the PDF software. 6. Use sandboxing or containerization for opening untrusted PDF or CBZ files to isolate potential exploits. 7. Track vendor updates closely and apply patches as soon as they become available. 8. Consider disabling CBZ file support in PDF Architect if not required. 9. Employ network segmentation to limit the spread of any compromise resulting from exploitation. 10. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focusing on document handling workflows.