CVE-2025-27195 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) affecting Adobe Media Encoder versions 25.1, 24.6.4, and earlier. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of data in heap memory, which can be exploited when a user opens a specially crafted malicious file. This flaw enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected system depending on user privileges. The attack vector requires local user interaction (opening a malicious file), and no authentication is necessary, making social engineering or phishing plausible attack methods. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as arbitrary code execution can lead to data theft, system manipulation, or denial of service. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level, with metrics AV:L (local), AC:L (low complexity), PR:N (no privileges required), UI:R (user interaction required), and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is officially published and reserved since February 2025. Adobe Media Encoder is widely used in professional media production workflows, making this vulnerability relevant to organizations handling digital content creation and processing.

The potential impact of CVE-2025-27195 is significant for organizations using Adobe Media Encoder, especially those in media production, broadcasting, and digital content creation sectors. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive media files, intellectual property theft, or disruption of media processing workflows. Since the code executes with the current user's privileges, the impact depends on the user's access level; administrative users could face full system compromise. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the requirement for user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as threat actors may develop exploits rapidly after public disclosure. Organizations globally that rely on Adobe Media Encoder for content workflows are at risk of operational disruption and data breaches if unmitigated.

1. Monitor Adobe’s official channels for patches and apply updates immediately once available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are released, restrict usage of Adobe Media Encoder to trusted users and environments only. 3. Implement strict file handling policies: block or quarantine files from untrusted sources before opening in Media Encoder. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening files from unknown or suspicious origins to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process spawning or memory manipulation. 6. Use application whitelisting to limit execution of unauthorized code. 7. Consider running Media Encoder in a sandboxed or isolated environment to contain potential exploitation. 8. Regularly back up critical media assets and system configurations to enable recovery in case of compromise. 9. Review and tighten user privileges to minimize the impact of code execution under user context. 10. Network segmentation can help limit lateral movement if a system is compromised.