CVE-2025-30317: Heap-based Buffer Overflow (CWE-122) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3 and earlier are affected by a Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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-2025-30317 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) identified in Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3, and earlier. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of heap memory when processing certain file inputs, allowing an attacker to overwrite memory buffers beyond their allocated size. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. The attack vector requires the victim to open a maliciously crafted InDesign file, making user interaction mandatory. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or authentication to exploit, 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 user interaction required. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to users of affected Adobe InDesign Desktop versions, especially in environments where untrusted files might be received or shared. The lack of an available patch at the time of publication necessitates immediate mitigation efforts to reduce exposure.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to run malicious code with the same privileges as the current user. This can result in data theft, installation of malware, lateral movement within networks, or disruption of services. Since Adobe InDesign is widely used in creative industries and enterprises for desktop publishing, compromised systems could lead to intellectual property theft, loss of sensitive design files, and operational downtime. The requirement for user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently exchange files. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on Adobe InDesign for content creation and publishing workflows.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately restrict the opening of InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources to reduce exposure to malicious files. 2. Implement application whitelisting and sandboxing for Adobe InDesign to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 3. Monitor and educate users about the risks of opening files from unverified sources and encourage vigilance against phishing or social engineering attacks. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Regularly back up critical design files and maintain version control to enable recovery in case of compromise. 6. Once Adobe releases an official patch, prioritize its deployment across all affected systems. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate systems running Adobe InDesign from sensitive or critical infrastructure to limit lateral movement if compromised.
Affected Countries
United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Australia, France, South Korea, Netherlands, Sweden
CVE-2025-30317: Heap-based Buffer Overflow (CWE-122) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
Description
InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3 and earlier are affected by a Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-30317 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) identified in Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3, and earlier. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of heap memory when processing certain file inputs, allowing an attacker to overwrite memory buffers beyond their allocated size. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. The attack vector requires the victim to open a maliciously crafted InDesign file, making user interaction mandatory. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or authentication to exploit, 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 user interaction required. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to users of affected Adobe InDesign Desktop versions, especially in environments where untrusted files might be received or shared. The lack of an available patch at the time of publication necessitates immediate mitigation efforts to reduce exposure.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to run malicious code with the same privileges as the current user. This can result in data theft, installation of malware, lateral movement within networks, or disruption of services. Since Adobe InDesign is widely used in creative industries and enterprises for desktop publishing, compromised systems could lead to intellectual property theft, loss of sensitive design files, and operational downtime. The requirement for user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently exchange files. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on Adobe InDesign for content creation and publishing workflows.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately restrict the opening of InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources to reduce exposure to malicious files. 2. Implement application whitelisting and sandboxing for Adobe InDesign to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 3. Monitor and educate users about the risks of opening files from unverified sources and encourage vigilance against phishing or social engineering attacks. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Regularly back up critical design files and maintain version control to enable recovery in case of compromise. 6. Once Adobe releases an official patch, prioritize its deployment across all affected systems. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate systems running Adobe InDesign from sensitive or critical infrastructure to limit lateral movement if compromised.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- adobe
- Date Reserved
- 2025-03-20T17:36:17.304Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68487f531b0bd07c39389dfc
Added to database: 6/10/2025, 6:54:11 PM
Last enriched: 2/27/2026, 1:28:47 AM
Last updated: 3/25/2026, 8:36:36 AM
Views: 73
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