CVE-2025-43594: Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 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-2025-43594 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) found in Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 and earlier. The vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries during file parsing or processing, allowing an attacker to write data outside the intended buffer limits. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires the victim to open a specially crafted malicious InDesign file, making user interaction necessary. No authentication is required, lowering the barrier for attackers targeting users directly. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling attackers to run malicious code, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or denial of service. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the high CVSS score of 7.8 reflects the significant risk posed by this flaw. Adobe has not yet released patches, so mitigation currently relies on user awareness and defensive controls. Given Adobe InDesign's widespread use in creative and publishing environments, this vulnerability poses a notable risk to organizations relying on this software for content creation and design workflows.
Potential Impact
The exploitation of CVE-2025-43594 can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user, potentially allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, install malware, or disrupt system operations. Since the vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations face risks including data breaches, intellectual property theft, and operational downtime. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. Creative agencies, publishers, and enterprises using Adobe InDesign are particularly at risk. The lack of current public exploits reduces immediate threat but also means organizations must act proactively. The vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations that frequently exchange InDesign files. Overall, the impact is high due to the combination of ease of exploitation and potential for significant damage.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately implement strict email and file handling policies to prevent opening unsolicited or unexpected InDesign files. 2. Educate users on the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and promote phishing awareness. 3. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to memory corruption or code execution. 4. Use application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code. 5. Monitor network and endpoint logs for suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Once Adobe releases a patch, prioritize rapid deployment across all affected systems. 7. Consider sandboxing or isolating InDesign usage environments to limit potential damage from exploitation. 8. Regularly back up critical data to enable recovery in case of compromise. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on user behavior, detection, and containment strategies specific to this vulnerability's exploitation vector.
Affected Countries
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland
CVE-2025-43594: Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
Description
InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 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-2025-43594 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) found in Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 and earlier. The vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries during file parsing or processing, allowing an attacker to write data outside the intended buffer limits. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires the victim to open a specially crafted malicious InDesign file, making user interaction necessary. No authentication is required, lowering the barrier for attackers targeting users directly. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability by enabling attackers to run malicious code, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or denial of service. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the high CVSS score of 7.8 reflects the significant risk posed by this flaw. Adobe has not yet released patches, so mitigation currently relies on user awareness and defensive controls. Given Adobe InDesign's widespread use in creative and publishing environments, this vulnerability poses a notable risk to organizations relying on this software for content creation and design workflows.
Potential Impact
The exploitation of CVE-2025-43594 can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user, potentially allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, install malware, or disrupt system operations. Since the vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations face risks including data breaches, intellectual property theft, and operational downtime. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. Creative agencies, publishers, and enterprises using Adobe InDesign are particularly at risk. The lack of current public exploits reduces immediate threat but also means organizations must act proactively. The vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations that frequently exchange InDesign files. Overall, the impact is high due to the combination of ease of exploitation and potential for significant damage.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately implement strict email and file handling policies to prevent opening unsolicited or unexpected InDesign files. 2. Educate users on the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and promote phishing awareness. 3. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to memory corruption or code execution. 4. Use application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code. 5. Monitor network and endpoint logs for suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Once Adobe releases a patch, prioritize rapid deployment across all affected systems. 7. Consider sandboxing or isolating InDesign usage environments to limit potential damage from exploitation. 8. Regularly back up critical data to enable recovery in case of compromise. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on user behavior, detection, and containment strategies specific to this vulnerability's exploitation vector.
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: 686d93976f40f0eb72fbc80d
Added to database: 7/8/2025, 9:54:31 PM
Last enriched: 2/27/2026, 2:23:22 AM
Last updated: 3/24/2026, 8:45:46 PM
Views: 74
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