CVE-2025-43553 is a high-severity vulnerability classified as an Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) affecting Adobe Substance3D - Modeler versions 1.21.0 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the application relies on a search path to locate critical resources such as dynamic link libraries (DLLs) or executables without properly validating or restricting the search directories. An attacker can exploit this by manipulating the search path environment or placing a malicious resource in a location that the application searches before the legitimate resource. When a user opens a maliciously crafted file, the application may load and execute the attacker's code in the context of the current user, leading to arbitrary code execution. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector of local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 13, 2025, with the issue reserved on April 16, 2025. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows code execution without elevated privileges but requires the victim to open a malicious file, making social engineering a key component of exploitation. The uncontrolled search path could be exploited by placing malicious DLLs or executables in directories that the application searches before legitimate ones, potentially leading to full compromise of the user's session and data accessible to the application.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to those using Adobe Substance3D - Modeler in design, media production, or digital content creation workflows. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, implant persistent malware, or move laterally within networks if the compromised user has network access. The impact extends to confidentiality, as proprietary designs or client data could be exfiltrated; integrity, as files and projects could be altered or corrupted; and availability, if malware disrupts the application or system operations. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction (opening a malicious file), phishing or social engineering campaigns targeting creative professionals are likely attack vectors. The risk is heightened in environments where users have local administrative privileges or where the application is integrated with other critical systems. Additionally, the lack of a patch at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on interim mitigations, increasing exposure duration. The vulnerability could also affect supply chains if subcontractors or partners use the affected software, potentially introducing risks to interconnected organizations.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Educate users, especially those in creative and design roles, about the risks of opening files from untrusted or unknown sources to reduce the likelihood of social engineering exploitation. 2) Employ application whitelisting and restrict execution of unauthorized DLLs or executables in directories commonly used by Substance3D - Modeler. 3) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious process behaviors related to the application, such as unexpected DLL loads or child process creation. 4) Isolate workstations running Substance3D - Modeler from sensitive network segments to limit lateral movement if compromise occurs. 5) Regularly audit and harden environment variables and search paths to ensure they do not include writable directories accessible by unprivileged users. 6) Implement strict file integrity monitoring on directories used by the application to detect unauthorized changes. 7) Maintain up-to-date backups of critical project files to enable recovery in case of compromise. 8) Monitor Adobe’s security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once available. 9) Consider running the application with least privilege necessary and in sandboxed or virtualized environments to contain potential exploitation.