CVE-2025-43568: Use After Free (CWE-416) in Adobe Substance3D - Stager
Substance3D - Stager versions 3.1.1 and earlier are affected by a Use After Free 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-2025-43568 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability identified in Adobe Substance3D - Stager, a 3D design and visualization application widely used in creative industries. The vulnerability affects versions 3.1.1 and earlier. A Use After Free flaw occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate memory to execute arbitrary code. In this case, the attacker must entice the victim to open a maliciously crafted file, triggering the vulnerability. Successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, potentially allowing attackers to compromise system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability requires user interaction but no authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with attack vector local (requiring user action), low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction necessary, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches or exploit code are publicly available yet, but the vulnerability has been officially published and recognized by CISA, indicating its seriousness.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-43568 is significant for organizations using Adobe Substance3D - Stager, particularly in sectors relying on 3D modeling and digital content creation. Exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive intellectual property, alter design files, or disrupt operations. Since the code runs with the current user's privileges, the extent of damage depends on the user's access rights; administrative users face higher risks. This vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks if exploited in corporate environments. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted spear-phishing or supply chain attacks remain plausible. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the lack of patches necessitates immediate defensive measures. Overall, the vulnerability threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems and data.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Restrict the opening of files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially unsolicited files received via email or downloads. 2. Implement strict application whitelisting to control which executables and scripts can run on endpoints using Substance3D - Stager. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Educate users on the risks of opening files from unverified sources and encourage verification before opening attachments. 5. Use sandboxing or isolated environments for opening files when possible to contain potential exploitation. 6. Monitor Adobe and security advisories closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly upon release. 7. Consider network segmentation to limit the spread of potential compromises originating from affected workstations. 8. Maintain regular backups of critical design files and systems to enable recovery in case of compromise.
Affected Countries
United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Netherlands, Sweden
CVE-2025-43568: Use After Free (CWE-416) in Adobe Substance3D - Stager
Description
Substance3D - Stager versions 3.1.1 and earlier are affected by a Use After Free 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-2025-43568 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability identified in Adobe Substance3D - Stager, a 3D design and visualization application widely used in creative industries. The vulnerability affects versions 3.1.1 and earlier. A Use After Free flaw occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate memory to execute arbitrary code. In this case, the attacker must entice the victim to open a maliciously crafted file, triggering the vulnerability. Successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, potentially allowing attackers to compromise system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability requires user interaction but no authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with attack vector local (requiring user action), low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction necessary, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches or exploit code are publicly available yet, but the vulnerability has been officially published and recognized by CISA, indicating its seriousness.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2025-43568 is significant for organizations using Adobe Substance3D - Stager, particularly in sectors relying on 3D modeling and digital content creation. Exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive intellectual property, alter design files, or disrupt operations. Since the code runs with the current user's privileges, the extent of damage depends on the user's access rights; administrative users face higher risks. This vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement within networks if exploited in corporate environments. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted spear-phishing or supply chain attacks remain plausible. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the lack of patches necessitates immediate defensive measures. Overall, the vulnerability threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems and data.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Restrict the opening of files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially unsolicited files received via email or downloads. 2. Implement strict application whitelisting to control which executables and scripts can run on endpoints using Substance3D - Stager. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Educate users on the risks of opening files from unverified sources and encourage verification before opening attachments. 5. Use sandboxing or isolated environments for opening files when possible to contain potential exploitation. 6. Monitor Adobe and security advisories closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly upon release. 7. Consider network segmentation to limit the spread of potential compromises originating from affected workstations. 8. Maintain regular backups of critical design files and systems to enable recovery in case of compromise.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- adobe
- Date Reserved
- 2025-04-16T16:23:13.181Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 682cd0fb1484d88663aec7e9
Added to database: 5/20/2025, 6:59:07 PM
Last enriched: 2/26/2026, 9:37:39 PM
Last updated: 3/24/2026, 7:45:11 PM
Views: 49
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