CVE-2025-27162 is a vulnerability identified in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 24.001.30225, 20.005.30748, 25.001.20428, and earlier. The flaw is classified as an Access of Uninitialized Pointer (CWE-824), which occurs when the software attempts to use a pointer that has not been properly initialized. This can lead to undefined behavior, including the potential for an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically the opening of a crafted malicious PDF file, which triggers the flaw. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects a high severity, with metrics indicating low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction necessary. The scope is unchanged, meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component without affecting other system components. The consequences include full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability for the user context. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the presence of such a vulnerability in a widely used PDF reader makes it a significant risk. The vulnerability was reserved in February 2025 and published in March 2025, with Adobe expected to release patches. Until patches are available, users remain exposed to potential targeted attacks leveraging malicious PDF documents.

The impact of CVE-2025-27162 is substantial for organizations worldwide that rely on Adobe Acrobat Reader for handling PDF documents. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to data theft, installation of malware, or lateral movement within networks. Since Acrobat Reader is widely used in enterprise, government, and personal environments, the vulnerability could be leveraged in spear-phishing campaigns or drive-by download attacks. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently open PDFs from untrusted sources. Compromise could result in loss of sensitive information, disruption of business operations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability also poses a risk to critical infrastructure sectors that rely on PDF documents for communication and documentation. Without timely patching or mitigation, organizations remain vulnerable to targeted attacks exploiting this flaw.

1. Apply official patches from Adobe immediately upon release to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, implement application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code. 3. Employ PDF file filtering and scanning solutions at email gateways and network perimeters to block or quarantine suspicious PDF files. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening PDF attachments from unknown or untrusted sources and encourage verification before opening. 5. Use sandboxing or containerization technologies to isolate Acrobat Reader processes, limiting the impact of potential exploitation. 6. Monitor endpoint and network logs for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or network connections. 7. Disable JavaScript execution within Acrobat Reader if not required, as it can reduce attack surface. 8. Maintain up-to-date endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and respond to exploitation attempts quickly.