CVE-2025-27175: Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
InDesign Desktop versions ID20.1, ID19.5.2 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-27175 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified under CWE-787 affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.1, ID19.5.2, and earlier. An out-of-bounds write occurs when a program writes data outside the boundaries of allocated memory, potentially overwriting critical data structures or executable code. In this case, the vulnerability can be triggered when a user opens a maliciously crafted InDesign file, causing the application to write beyond intended memory limits. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, allowing attackers to run malicious payloads, escalate privileges, or compromise system integrity. The vulnerability requires user interaction (opening a malicious file) but does not require prior authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. No patches have been linked yet, and no exploits are known in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The flaw affects widely used versions of Adobe InDesign Desktop, a professional desktop publishing software used globally in creative industries.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-27175 is significant for organizations relying on Adobe InDesign Desktop, especially in creative, publishing, and marketing sectors. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive intellectual property, or disrupt business operations. Since the vulnerability runs with the current user's privileges, the extent of damage depends on user rights; administrative users could face full system compromise. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted spear-phishing or supply chain attacks embedding malicious InDesign files pose a real threat. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing sensitive project files, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution, and availability by potentially crashing or disabling the application or system. Organizations with large creative teams or external collaborators exchanging InDesign files are at higher risk. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure increases exposure, emphasizing the need for interim mitigations.
Mitigation Recommendations
Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement several practical mitigations: 1) Educate users to avoid opening InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially via email or file sharing platforms. 2) Employ robust email and endpoint security solutions with advanced attachment scanning and sandboxing to detect malicious InDesign files. 3) Restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary to limit the impact of arbitrary code execution. 4) Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution spawned by the vulnerability. 5) Monitor systems for unusual behavior or indicators of compromise related to InDesign processes. 6) Establish strict file validation and scanning policies for files entering the creative workflow. 7) Prepare for rapid deployment of patches once Adobe releases updates by maintaining an up-to-date asset inventory of affected software versions. 8) Consider isolating or sandboxing InDesign usage environments to contain potential exploitation.
Affected Countries
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, South Korea, India, Brazil
CVE-2025-27175: Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
Description
InDesign Desktop versions ID20.1, ID19.5.2 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-27175 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability classified under CWE-787 affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.1, ID19.5.2, and earlier. An out-of-bounds write occurs when a program writes data outside the boundaries of allocated memory, potentially overwriting critical data structures or executable code. In this case, the vulnerability can be triggered when a user opens a maliciously crafted InDesign file, causing the application to write beyond intended memory limits. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, allowing attackers to run malicious payloads, escalate privileges, or compromise system integrity. The vulnerability requires user interaction (opening a malicious file) but does not require prior authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. No patches have been linked yet, and no exploits are known in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The flaw affects widely used versions of Adobe InDesign Desktop, a professional desktop publishing software used globally in creative industries.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-27175 is significant for organizations relying on Adobe InDesign Desktop, especially in creative, publishing, and marketing sectors. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive intellectual property, or disrupt business operations. Since the vulnerability runs with the current user's privileges, the extent of damage depends on user rights; administrative users could face full system compromise. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted spear-phishing or supply chain attacks embedding malicious InDesign files pose a real threat. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing sensitive project files, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution, and availability by potentially crashing or disabling the application or system. Organizations with large creative teams or external collaborators exchanging InDesign files are at higher risk. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure increases exposure, emphasizing the need for interim mitigations.
Mitigation Recommendations
Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement several practical mitigations: 1) Educate users to avoid opening InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially via email or file sharing platforms. 2) Employ robust email and endpoint security solutions with advanced attachment scanning and sandboxing to detect malicious InDesign files. 3) Restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary to limit the impact of arbitrary code execution. 4) Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution spawned by the vulnerability. 5) Monitor systems for unusual behavior or indicators of compromise related to InDesign processes. 6) Establish strict file validation and scanning policies for files entering the creative workflow. 7) Prepare for rapid deployment of patches once Adobe releases updates by maintaining an up-to-date asset inventory of affected software versions. 8) Consider isolating or sandboxing InDesign usage environments to contain potential exploitation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- adobe
- Date Reserved
- 2025-02-19T22:28:19.019Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69a0a45d85912abc71d66aa2
Added to database: 2/26/2026, 7:51:57 PM
Last enriched: 2/26/2026, 8:00:24 PM
Last updated: 2/26/2026, 11:17:45 PM
Views: 2
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