CVE-2025-43590 is a high-severity out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3, and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries, allowing an attacker to write data outside the allocated buffer. Such memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the opening of a maliciously crafted InDesign file. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication or elevated privileges, but the attacker must convince the victim to open the malicious file, which could be delivered via email, file sharing, or other means. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring user interaction. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that organizations should prioritize monitoring and mitigation efforts. The vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or lateral movement within a network if the compromised user has elevated access rights.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those heavily reliant on Adobe InDesign for desktop publishing, marketing, and creative content production. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive intellectual property, disruption of business operations, and potential data breaches. Given that Adobe InDesign is widely used in media, publishing, advertising, and corporate communications sectors across Europe, the impact could be broad. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to implant malware, conduct espionage, or disrupt workflows. The requirement for user interaction means social engineering campaigns targeting European users could be effective, especially in countries with large creative industries. Additionally, organizations with less mature cybersecurity awareness or lacking robust email/file scanning controls are at higher risk. The compromise of a single user’s workstation could also serve as a foothold for further network intrusion, increasing the potential damage.

European organizations should implement targeted mitigations beyond generic advice. First, they should immediately identify and inventory all systems running affected versions of Adobe InDesign Desktop. Until patches are available, restrict the opening of InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources through endpoint security controls and email filtering solutions. Deploy advanced threat protection tools capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to file parsing and memory exploitation. Conduct user awareness training focused on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected files, emphasizing the specific threat vector of malicious InDesign documents. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit lateral movement if a workstation is compromised. Organizations should also monitor for unusual process behavior or crashes related to InDesign and review logs for signs of exploitation attempts. Once Adobe releases patches, prioritize rapid deployment. Additionally, consider application whitelisting or sandboxing for InDesign to contain potential exploits. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to address exploitation scenarios involving desktop publishing software.