CVE-2025-49528 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) affecting Adobe Illustrator versions 28.7.6, 29.5.1, and earlier. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of input data when processing files, allowing an attacker to craft a malicious Illustrator file that, when opened by a user, triggers a buffer overflow on the stack. This overflow can overwrite critical memory regions, enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted file, which could be delivered via email, file sharing, or other means. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring user interaction and local vector (i.e., the attacker must have the file opened on the victim’s machine). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. Given Adobe Illustrator’s widespread use in creative industries, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to users who handle untrusted files, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or disruption of workflows.

For European organizations, especially those in creative sectors such as advertising, media, design, and publishing, this vulnerability could lead to severe operational and reputational damage. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data breaches involving sensitive intellectual property or client information. The compromise of Illustrator workstations could serve as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks, escalating the risk of broader network intrusion. Additionally, disruption of critical design workflows could impact business continuity. Since exploitation requires user interaction, targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files, increasing the risk to organizations with less mature security awareness programs. The high confidentiality and integrity impact means that stolen or altered design assets could have financial and legal consequences, especially under GDPR regulations if personal data is involved or indirectly affected.

Organizations should implement a multi-layered defense approach. First, ensure all Adobe Illustrator installations are updated promptly once patches become available; monitor Adobe security advisories closely. Until patches are released, restrict the opening of Illustrator files from untrusted or unknown sources, employing strict email filtering and endpoint controls to block or quarantine suspicious attachments. Deploy application whitelisting and sandboxing technologies to limit the execution context of Illustrator and contain potential exploits. Enhance user training to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious files, emphasizing the risk of opening unsolicited Illustrator documents. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a workstation is compromised. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain regular backups of critical design files and system states to enable recovery in case of compromise.