CVE-2025-27159 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, including 24.001.30225, 20.005.30748, and 25.001.20428 and earlier. The vulnerability arises when Acrobat Reader improperly manages memory, allowing an attacker to free a memory object and then use it after it has been released. This can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires the victim to open a specially crafted malicious PDF file, which triggers the vulnerability. The flaw does not require prior authentication but does require user interaction, making social engineering or phishing a likely attack vector. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no known exploits are publicly reported yet, the widespread use of Acrobat Reader and the nature of the vulnerability make it a critical concern. Adobe has not yet released patches, so users remain exposed. The vulnerability could be leveraged to execute malware, steal sensitive data, or disrupt system operations.

This vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations worldwide, especially those that rely heavily on Adobe Acrobat Reader for document handling. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or disrupt system operations. Because the attack requires only that a user open a malicious PDF, phishing campaigns and targeted spear-phishing attacks become effective vectors. The impact spans confidentiality (data theft), integrity (unauthorized code execution), and availability (potential system crashes or denial of service). Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their documents and the high likelihood of targeted attacks. The lack of an available patch increases exposure time, raising the risk of exploitation in the wild. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple versions, including some older and newer releases, broadening the scope of affected systems.

1. Immediately implement user awareness training to reduce the risk of opening malicious PDF files, emphasizing caution with unsolicited or unexpected documents. 2. Disable JavaScript execution within Adobe Acrobat Reader, as this can reduce the attack surface related to PDF-based exploits. 3. Employ application sandboxing or containerization technologies to isolate Acrobat Reader processes, limiting the impact of potential code execution. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Restrict the use of Acrobat Reader to trusted networks and implement network segmentation to contain potential breaches. 6. Regularly back up critical data and ensure recovery plans are tested to mitigate the impact of potential ransomware or destructive payloads delivered via this vulnerability. 7. Monitor Adobe security advisories closely and apply patches promptly once they become available. 8. Consider alternative PDF readers with a smaller attack surface for high-risk environments until patches are released.