CVE-2025-49532 is a high-severity integer underflow vulnerability (CWE-191) affecting Adobe Illustrator versions 28.7.6, 29.5.1, and earlier. The flaw arises from improper handling of integer values, leading to an underflow condition where an integer value wraps around unexpectedly. This vulnerability can be triggered when a user opens a specially crafted malicious file within Illustrator. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The attack vector requires local user interaction, specifically opening a malicious file, which means remote exploitation without user action is not feasible. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as arbitrary code execution can lead to data theft, system compromise, or denial of service. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with metrics AV:L (local attack vector), AC:L (low attack complexity), PR:N (no privileges required), UI:R (user interaction required), and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigations have been linked yet. This vulnerability is critical for organizations relying on Adobe Illustrator for graphic design and creative workflows, as it can be leveraged to compromise workstations and potentially pivot within networks if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-49532 can be significant, especially in sectors heavily reliant on Adobe Illustrator, such as media, advertising, publishing, and design agencies. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive intellectual property, client data, and internal communications. Since the vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution, attackers could deploy malware, ransomware, or establish persistence on compromised systems. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file) means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver the payload. This elevates risk in environments with less stringent user awareness training or where file-sharing practices are common. Additionally, compromised Illustrator workstations could serve as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks, threatening broader enterprise security. The confidentiality and integrity of creative assets and business-critical information could be severely undermined, potentially causing financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is exposed or mishandled.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on user education to avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources, especially unsolicited email attachments or downloads. 2. Implement strict email filtering and sandboxing to detect and block malicious files targeting Illustrator. 3. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious Illustrator process behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Enforce the principle of least privilege on user accounts to limit the impact of code execution under user context. 5. Regularly back up critical data and maintain offline copies to recover from potential ransomware or destructive attacks stemming from exploitation. 6. Monitor Adobe’s security advisories closely for official patches or workarounds and prioritize timely deployment once available. 7. Consider network segmentation to isolate design workstations from sensitive backend systems to reduce lateral movement risk. 8. Use file integrity monitoring on Illustrator-related directories to detect unauthorized changes. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific attack vector (malicious file opening) and the operational context of Illustrator usage.