CVE-2025-54229 is a high-severity Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability affecting Adobe FrameMaker versions 2020.8, 2022.6, and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly manages memory, specifically by referencing memory after it has been freed. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious FrameMaker file that, when opened by a user, triggers the use-after-free condition. This can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, potentially allowing the attacker to execute malicious payloads, escalate privileges, or compromise the affected system. The vulnerability requires user interaction, as the victim must open the malicious file for exploitation to occur. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity but requiring user interaction and local vector (AV:L). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the severity and nature of the vulnerability make it a significant risk once weaponized. No patches or updates are currently linked, indicating that organizations should be vigilant and apply mitigations proactively once available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-54229 can be substantial, especially for those relying on Adobe FrameMaker for technical documentation, publishing, or content creation. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data leakage, or disruption of critical documentation workflows. This can compromise sensitive intellectual property or operational data, potentially affecting compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files, increasing the risk in environments with less stringent email or file handling policies. Additionally, compromised systems could serve as footholds for lateral movement within corporate networks, escalating the threat to broader IT infrastructure. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability underscores the need for immediate attention in sectors such as publishing, engineering, and government agencies where FrameMaker usage is prevalent.

1. Immediate mitigation should include educating users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected FrameMaker files, especially from unknown or untrusted sources. 2. Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block potentially malicious FrameMaker files. 3. Employ application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized or untrusted software and files. 4. Monitor and restrict the use of Adobe FrameMaker to only those users and systems that require it, reducing the attack surface. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to identify suspicious behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Regularly back up critical documentation and system states to enable recovery in case of compromise. 7. Stay alert for official patches or updates from Adobe and apply them promptly once released. 8. Consider sandboxing or running FrameMaker in isolated environments to limit the impact of potential exploitation.