CVE-2025-43574 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability identified in multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, specifically versions 24.001.30235, 20.005.30763, 25.001.20521 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the application improperly manages memory, leading to a scenario where previously freed memory is accessed again. Such a flaw can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. The exploitation requires user interaction, meaning the victim must open a specially crafted malicious PDF file to trigger the vulnerability. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 indicates a high severity level, reflecting the significant potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system (all rated high). Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches or mitigation links have been published at the time of this report. The vulnerability's presence in widely used versions of Acrobat Reader, a common PDF reader globally, makes it a critical concern for organizations relying on this software for document handling and communication.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-43574 could be substantial. Acrobat Reader is extensively used across various sectors including government, finance, healthcare, education, and private enterprises. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact, sensitive information such as personal data protected under GDPR could be exposed or manipulated, leading to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious PDFs, increasing the risk in environments with high email and document exchange volumes. Additionally, compromised endpoints could serve as footholds for lateral movement within networks, escalating the threat to critical infrastructure and business continuity. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score necessitates urgent attention.

Given the lack of official patches at present, European organizations should implement specific mitigations beyond generic advice: 1) Enforce strict email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and quarantine suspicious PDF files before they reach end users. 2) Deploy endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behaviors associated with memory corruption exploits. 3) Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected PDF attachments, emphasizing verification of sender authenticity. 4) Utilize application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to restrict Acrobat Reader's ability to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive system resources. 5) Monitor network and endpoint logs for indicators of compromise related to Acrobat Reader processes. 6) Prepare for rapid deployment of patches once Adobe releases official updates by maintaining an up-to-date asset inventory and patch management process. 7) Consider temporary use of alternative PDF readers with no known vulnerabilities until patches are available, especially in high-risk environments.