CVE-2025-47103: Heap-based Buffer Overflow (CWE-122) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 and earlier are affected by a Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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-2025-47103 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 and earlier. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers when processing certain crafted files, leading to a heap overflow condition. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user, potentially allowing full compromise of the user's session and access to sensitive data or system resources. Exploitation requires the victim to open a malicious InDesign file, which triggers the overflow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, indicating a classic heap-based buffer overflow issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack requires local access, low attack complexity, no privileges, but user interaction is necessary. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as arbitrary code execution can lead to data theft, system manipulation, or denial of service. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is officially published and reserved since April 2025. This vulnerability primarily threatens environments where Adobe InDesign Desktop is used extensively, such as creative agencies, publishing houses, and media companies.
Potential Impact
The potential impact of CVE-2025-47103 is significant for organizations relying on Adobe InDesign Desktop for content creation and publishing. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, manipulate documents, install malware, or disrupt operations. Since the code executes with the current user's privileges, the impact depends on the user's access level; administrative users could face full system compromise. The requirement for user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently exchange InDesign files. This vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against media, advertising, and design firms, potentially leading to data breaches or sabotage. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation once weaponized. Organizations with lax file validation or insufficient endpoint protections are at higher risk.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Monitor Adobe's security advisories closely and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. 2) Enforce strict file handling policies, including restricting the opening of InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources. 3) Utilize endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to heap overflows or suspicious code execution within Adobe InDesign processes. 4) Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected InDesign files, emphasizing cautious handling of email attachments and downloads. 5) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 6) Consider network segmentation to isolate systems running Adobe InDesign from critical infrastructure to reduce lateral movement opportunities. 7) Implement robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate damage from potential exploitation. These measures, combined with timely patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.
Affected Countries
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Netherlands, Italy, Spain
CVE-2025-47103: Heap-based Buffer Overflow (CWE-122) in Adobe InDesign Desktop
Description
InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 and earlier are affected by a Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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-2025-47103 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 19.5.3 and earlier. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers when processing certain crafted files, leading to a heap overflow condition. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user, potentially allowing full compromise of the user's session and access to sensitive data or system resources. Exploitation requires the victim to open a malicious InDesign file, which triggers the overflow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, indicating a classic heap-based buffer overflow issue. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack requires local access, low attack complexity, no privileges, but user interaction is necessary. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as arbitrary code execution can lead to data theft, system manipulation, or denial of service. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is officially published and reserved since April 2025. This vulnerability primarily threatens environments where Adobe InDesign Desktop is used extensively, such as creative agencies, publishing houses, and media companies.
Potential Impact
The potential impact of CVE-2025-47103 is significant for organizations relying on Adobe InDesign Desktop for content creation and publishing. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, manipulate documents, install malware, or disrupt operations. Since the code executes with the current user's privileges, the impact depends on the user's access level; administrative users could face full system compromise. The requirement for user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently exchange InDesign files. This vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against media, advertising, and design firms, potentially leading to data breaches or sabotage. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not preclude future exploitation once weaponized. Organizations with lax file validation or insufficient endpoint protections are at higher risk.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Monitor Adobe's security advisories closely and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available to address this vulnerability. 2) Enforce strict file handling policies, including restricting the opening of InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources. 3) Utilize endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to heap overflows or suspicious code execution within Adobe InDesign processes. 4) Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected InDesign files, emphasizing cautious handling of email attachments and downloads. 5) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 6) Consider network segmentation to isolate systems running Adobe InDesign from critical infrastructure to reduce lateral movement opportunities. 7) Implement robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate damage from potential exploitation. These measures, combined with timely patching, will significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- adobe
- Date Reserved
- 2025-04-30T20:47:55.001Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 686d93976f40f0eb72fbc810
Added to database: 7/8/2025, 9:54:31 PM
Last enriched: 2/27/2026, 2:32:49 AM
Last updated: 3/25/2026, 2:54:44 AM
Views: 83
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