CVE-2025-54207 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 20.4, 19.5.4, and earlier. The vulnerability is classified as an Access of Uninitialized Pointer (CWE-824), which occurs when the software uses a pointer that has not been properly initialized, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior. In this case, the flaw can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. The attack vector requires local access and user interaction, specifically the opening of a maliciously crafted InDesign file. Upon opening such a file, the uninitialized pointer usage can be triggered, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high severity due to the combination of local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), required user interaction (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or updates have been linked yet. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to users of Adobe InDesign Desktop, especially in environments where malicious files could be introduced through email, file sharing, or compromised websites.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, particularly for those in creative industries, publishing, marketing, and media sectors where Adobe InDesign is widely used. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive data, manipulate documents, or disrupt operations. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing campaigns or social engineering could be leveraged to trick employees into opening malicious files, increasing the risk of targeted attacks. The compromise of design files or intellectual property could have reputational and financial consequences. Additionally, if attackers gain a foothold via this vulnerability, they could pivot within the network, potentially affecting broader IT infrastructure. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability underscores the critical nature of this threat for organizations relying on Adobe InDesign Desktop in Europe.

Organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation strategy beyond generic patching advice. First, they should immediately audit their Adobe InDesign Desktop deployments to identify affected versions (20.4, 19.5.4, and earlier) and prepare for prompt patching once Adobe releases an official update. Until patches are available, organizations should restrict the opening of InDesign files from untrusted or unknown sources and implement strict email filtering to block potentially malicious attachments. User awareness training should be enhanced to educate employees about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious files. Application whitelisting can be employed to limit the execution of unauthorized code. Additionally, deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can help detect anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to minimize lateral movement if a compromise occurs. Monitoring logs for unusual InDesign application activity can provide early warning signs of exploitation attempts.