CVE-2025-24452 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified under CWE-787 affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.1, ID19.5.2, and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries during file processing, allowing an attacker to write data outside the intended buffer. Such memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires the victim to open a crafted malicious InDesign file, making user interaction mandatory. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication, which lowers the barrier for attackers targeting end users. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects a high severity due to the combination of local attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, required user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are known at this time, the flaw poses a significant risk to users who handle untrusted or external InDesign files. The lack of an available patch at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate risk mitigation through operational controls. Adobe InDesign is widely used in creative industries for desktop publishing, making this vulnerability relevant to organizations involved in media, advertising, and design sectors globally.

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to compromise the affected system with the same privileges as the current user. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification or destruction of files, installation of malware, and potential lateral movement within a network. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, especially via spear-phishing or malicious file distribution. Organizations relying heavily on Adobe InDesign for content creation and publishing face risks of operational disruption and data breaches. The impact extends to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data, potentially affecting business continuity and reputation. Given the widespread use of Adobe products, the threat could be leveraged in espionage, intellectual property theft, or sabotage campaigns.

Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement several specific mitigations: 1) Educate users to avoid opening InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources, emphasizing the risk of malicious documents. 2) Employ application whitelisting and restrict execution of InDesign to authorized users and environments. 3) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behaviors related to InDesign processes, such as unexpected memory writes or code injections. 4) Isolate systems used for handling external InDesign files from critical network segments to limit potential lateral movement. 5) Regularly back up critical data to enable recovery in case of compromise. 6) Monitor threat intelligence sources for updates on exploit availability and patches from Adobe, applying updates promptly once available. 7) Consider sandboxing or opening suspicious files in virtualized environments to observe behavior without risking production systems.