CVE-2025-49564 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) affecting Adobe Illustrator versions 28.7.8, 29.6.1, and earlier. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of data within the application, 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 makes social engineering or phishing campaigns a likely attack vector. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. The scope is unchanged, meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component (Adobe Illustrator) without extending beyond it. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the potential for exploitation remains significant given the widespread use of Illustrator in creative industries. The absence of published patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate attention to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, particularly those in design, media, advertising, and publishing sectors where Adobe Illustrator is extensively used, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive intellectual property, deploy ransomware, or establish persistent footholds within corporate networks. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact, organizations could face data breaches, loss of proprietary designs, and operational disruptions. The requirement for user interaction means that targeted phishing or spear-phishing campaigns could be effective, especially in environments with less rigorous user awareness training. Additionally, compromised Illustrator instances could serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks, amplifying the threat. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score indicates that once exploits emerge, rapid exploitation is likely.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered defense strategy beyond generic patching advice. First, enforce strict email and file attachment filtering to detect and quarantine suspicious Illustrator files, leveraging advanced sandboxing and static/dynamic analysis tools capable of identifying malformed or malicious files. Second, enhance user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing attempts and the risks of opening unsolicited design files. Third, apply application whitelisting and restrict execution privileges for Adobe Illustrator processes to limit the impact of potential code execution. Fourth, employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions with behavioral analytics to detect anomalous activities indicative of exploitation attempts. Fifth, segment networks to contain potential breaches originating from compromised workstations. Finally, monitor Adobe’s security advisories closely and prioritize patch deployment as soon as updates become available, testing them in controlled environments to avoid operational disruptions.