CVE-2025-49571 is a high-severity vulnerability classified as an Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) affecting Adobe Substance3D - Modeler versions 1.22.0 and earlier. The vulnerability arises when the application uses an insecure search path to locate critical resources such as executable programs or libraries. An attacker who can influence the search path can insert or redirect it to malicious code, which the application will then execute with the privileges of the current user. This can lead to arbitrary code execution without requiring user interaction, increasing the risk of stealthy exploitation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required but some user interaction needed (UI:R). The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of workflows. Since Adobe Substance3D - Modeler is a professional 3D modeling tool used in creative industries, exploitation could also lead to intellectual property theft or sabotage of digital assets. 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 proactively.

For European organizations, especially those in creative, design, and media sectors that rely on Adobe Substance3D - Modeler, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized code execution, leading to data breaches, loss of intellectual property, or disruption of critical design workflows. The ability to execute arbitrary code without user interaction increases the threat level, as attackers can deploy malware or ransomware silently. Additionally, compromised systems could be used as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks, potentially affecting broader IT infrastructure. Given the high confidentiality and integrity impact, organizations handling sensitive design projects or proprietary models are at elevated risk. The vulnerability also threatens availability if attackers deploy destructive payloads. The lack of patches means organizations must rely on compensating controls until updates are available.

1. Implement strict application whitelisting to ensure only trusted executables and libraries are loaded by Adobe Substance3D - Modeler. 2. Restrict write permissions on directories included in the search path to prevent unauthorized modification or insertion of malicious files. 3. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for unusual process executions or modifications related to Substance3D - Modeler. 4. Employ network segmentation to isolate systems running Substance3D - Modeler from critical infrastructure to limit lateral movement. 5. Educate users about the risks of running untrusted code and enforce least privilege principles to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. 6. Monitor vendor communications closely for patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. 7. Conduct regular security audits of environment variables and system PATH settings to detect and remediate unsafe configurations. 8. Consider running Substance3D - Modeler in a sandboxed or containerized environment to limit the scope of potential compromise.