CVE-2025-27160 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, including 24.001.30225, 20.005.30748, 25.001.20428, and earlier. The vulnerability arises when Acrobat Reader improperly manages memory, leading to a condition where previously freed memory is accessed, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires the victim to open a maliciously crafted PDF file, which triggers the use-after-free condition. The attacker can leverage this flaw to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system by executing code that could install malware, steal data, or disrupt operations. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity due to the combination of local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and required user interaction (UI:R). The vulnerability affects a widely used product, Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is prevalent in enterprise and consumer environments globally. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, but the risk remains significant given the product's ubiquity and the potential impact of exploitation.

The impact of CVE-2025-27160 is substantial for organizations worldwide that rely on Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing PDF documents. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, exfiltrate sensitive information, or disrupt system operations. Since Acrobat Reader is commonly used in corporate, government, and personal environments, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or widespread phishing campaigns using malicious PDFs. The requirement for user interaction limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently open PDFs from untrusted sources. The vulnerability threatens confidentiality by enabling data theft, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution, and availability by potentially causing system crashes or denial of service. Organizations with high-value targets, such as financial institutions, government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators, face elevated risks due to the potential for sophisticated exploitation.

Organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Monitor Adobe’s official channels for patches addressing CVE-2025-27160 and apply updates promptly once available. 2) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to restrict Acrobat Reader’s ability to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive system resources. 3) Enforce strict email and web gateway filtering to block or quarantine suspicious PDF attachments from untrusted or unknown sources. 4) Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected PDF files, emphasizing caution with email attachments and downloads. 5) Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Consider disabling JavaScript execution within Acrobat Reader if not required, as this can reduce attack surface. 7) Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a compromise occurs. These measures, combined with timely patching, will reduce the likelihood and impact of exploitation.