CVE-2025-43594 is a high-severity out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly handles memory boundaries, allowing an attacker to write data outside the intended buffer. Such memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens a maliciously crafted InDesign file. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication or elevated privileges, but the attacker must trick the user into opening the malicious file. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), with low attack complexity and no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild yet, the nature of the vulnerability and the widespread use of Adobe InDesign in creative and publishing industries make it a significant threat. The lack of an available patch at the time of publication increases risk, emphasizing the need for prompt mitigation.

For European organizations, especially those in media, publishing, advertising, and design sectors that heavily rely on Adobe InDesign Desktop, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, manipulate or destroy design files, or establish footholds for further network compromise. The impact extends to confidentiality breaches of proprietary content, integrity violations through unauthorized modifications, and availability disruptions if systems become unstable or compromised. Given that Adobe InDesign is widely used in creative agencies and publishing houses across Europe, the threat could affect business continuity and reputation. Additionally, organizations subject to GDPR must consider the regulatory implications of data breaches resulting from exploitation. The requirement for user interaction means targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious files, increasing the risk in environments with less stringent user awareness training.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on user education to avoid opening InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources. 2. Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block potentially malicious InDesign files. 3. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to memory corruption or code execution attempts within Adobe InDesign processes. 4. Use application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized code and monitor for suspicious activities. 5. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a system is compromised. 6. Regularly back up critical design files and maintain version control to recover from potential data corruption or ransomware attacks. 7. Monitor Adobe’s security advisories closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 8. Consider deploying sandbox environments for opening untrusted InDesign files to contain potential exploitation. 9. Review and tighten user privileges to minimize the impact of code execution within user context.