CVE-2025-49531 is a high-severity integer overflow or wraparound vulnerability (CWE-190) affecting Adobe Illustrator versions 28.7.6, 29.5.1, and earlier. This vulnerability arises when Illustrator improperly handles integer values during processing, leading to an overflow or wraparound condition. Such a flaw can cause memory corruption, which attackers can leverage to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically the victim opening a maliciously crafted Illustrator file. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication or elevated privileges, making it accessible to attackers who can trick users into opening malicious files. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring user interaction. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that organizations should prioritize monitoring and mitigation efforts. The vulnerability's scope is limited to the user context, so system-wide compromise depends on the privileges of the affected user. Given Illustrator's widespread use in creative industries, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to users who handle untrusted or external Illustrator files.

For European organizations, particularly those in creative sectors such as advertising, media, design, and publishing, this vulnerability could lead to significant data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of business operations. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to installation of malware, ransomware, or lateral movement within corporate networks if the compromised user has network access. Confidentiality is at high risk as sensitive design files and proprietary information could be exposed or altered. Integrity and availability are also threatened, as attackers could modify files or disrupt Illustrator functionality. Since exploitation requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns targeting European employees could be effective attack vectors. The lack of available patches increases the window of exposure, necessitating immediate defensive measures. Additionally, organizations handling sensitive government or defense-related design work could face heightened risks due to potential espionage or sabotage.

1. Implement strict email and file filtering to block or flag suspicious Illustrator files, especially those from unknown or untrusted sources. 2. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected Illustrator files and train them to recognize phishing attempts. 3. Use application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to restrict Illustrator's ability to execute arbitrary code or access critical system resources. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Regularly back up critical design files and ensure backups are isolated from the main network to prevent ransomware impact. 6. Monitor Adobe's security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once available. 7. Restrict Illustrator usage to users with minimal necessary privileges to limit the impact of a successful exploit. 8. Consider disabling or restricting the ability to open Illustrator files from untrusted sources until patches are released.