CVE-2025-43593: Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write 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-2025-43593 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) identified in Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3, and earlier. The vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries during file processing, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. The attack vector requires that the victim open a maliciously crafted InDesign file, making user interaction mandatory. The vulnerability does not require any prior authentication or elevated privileges, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no public exploits are known at this time, the potential for exploitation exists once a weaponized file is crafted. Adobe has not yet released patches, so users remain exposed. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to full compromise of the affected system under the current user's privileges, including data theft, system manipulation, or further malware deployment.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations relying on Adobe InDesign Desktop for document creation and publishing workflows. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive information, modify or destroy data, disrupt operations, or establish persistence within the environment. Since the attack requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially affecting creative industries, marketing firms, publishing houses, and any enterprise using InDesign. The lack of a patch increases exposure duration, and the widespread use of Adobe products globally amplifies the threat surface. Organizations with lax file handling policies or insufficient endpoint protections are at higher risk. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as footholds for lateral movement or further attacks within corporate networks.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate this threat, organizations should implement strict email and file filtering policies to block or quarantine suspicious InDesign files, especially from unknown or untrusted sources. User training should emphasize the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected files. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring and blocking anomalous behaviors related to memory corruption or code execution. Employ application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code. Until Adobe releases an official patch, consider isolating or limiting the use of vulnerable InDesign versions, possibly using sandbox environments for file opening. Regularly back up critical data to enable recovery in case of compromise. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit code or indicators of compromise related to CVE-2025-43593. Finally, prepare incident response plans to quickly address potential exploitation scenarios.
Affected Countries
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea
CVE-2025-43593: Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
Description
InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write 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-2025-43593 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) identified in Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.2, ID19.5.3, and earlier. The vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries during file processing, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. The attack vector requires that the victim open a maliciously crafted InDesign file, making user interaction mandatory. The vulnerability does not require any prior authentication or elevated privileges, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no public exploits are known at this time, the potential for exploitation exists once a weaponized file is crafted. Adobe has not yet released patches, so users remain exposed. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to full compromise of the affected system under the current user's privileges, including data theft, system manipulation, or further malware deployment.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations relying on Adobe InDesign Desktop for document creation and publishing workflows. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive information, modify or destroy data, disrupt operations, or establish persistence within the environment. Since the attack requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially affecting creative industries, marketing firms, publishing houses, and any enterprise using InDesign. The lack of a patch increases exposure duration, and the widespread use of Adobe products globally amplifies the threat surface. Organizations with lax file handling policies or insufficient endpoint protections are at higher risk. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as footholds for lateral movement or further attacks within corporate networks.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate this threat, organizations should implement strict email and file filtering policies to block or quarantine suspicious InDesign files, especially from unknown or untrusted sources. User training should emphasize the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected files. Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring and blocking anomalous behaviors related to memory corruption or code execution. Employ application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code. Until Adobe releases an official patch, consider isolating or limiting the use of vulnerable InDesign versions, possibly using sandbox environments for file opening. Regularly back up critical data to enable recovery in case of compromise. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploit code or indicators of compromise related to CVE-2025-43593. Finally, prepare incident response plans to quickly address potential exploitation scenarios.
Affected Countries
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- adobe
- Date Reserved
- 2025-04-16T16:23:13.183Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68487f531b0bd07c39389e6a
Added to database: 6/10/2025, 6:54:11 PM
Last enriched: 2/27/2026, 2:23:06 AM
Last updated: 3/26/2026, 8:52:54 AM
Views: 56
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