CVE-2025-54230 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability identified in Adobe FrameMaker versions 2020.8, 2022.6, and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the software improperly manages memory, specifically by accessing memory after it has been freed. Such a flaw can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. The exploitation vector requires user interaction, as an attacker must convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted FrameMaker file. Upon opening this file, the vulnerability can be triggered, allowing the attacker to execute code with the privileges of the user running FrameMaker. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) indicates that the attack requires local access (local vector), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, meaning an attacker could fully compromise the affected system's data and operations. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, suggesting that remediation may still be pending or in progress. This vulnerability is particularly critical for environments where FrameMaker is used to handle sensitive or critical documentation, as successful exploitation could lead to significant data breaches or system compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-54230 can be significant, especially in sectors relying heavily on Adobe FrameMaker for technical documentation, publishing, or regulated industries such as aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and government agencies. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive intellectual property or confidential information, disruption of document workflows, and potential lateral movement within networks if attackers leverage the foothold gained. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns targeting employees who use FrameMaker could be a likely attack vector. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that organizations could face operational disruptions, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal or sensitive data is compromised. Additionally, the lack of available patches at the time of disclosure increases the window of exposure, making timely mitigation critical.

1. Implement strict user awareness training focusing on the risks of opening files from untrusted or unknown sources, emphasizing the specific threat posed by malicious FrameMaker files. 2. Restrict FrameMaker usage to only those users who require it for their job functions and limit file sharing to trusted sources. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to isolate FrameMaker processes, reducing the potential impact of exploitation. 4. Monitor and control local access to systems running FrameMaker, as the vulnerability requires local attack vectors; ensure endpoint protection solutions are up to date and configured to detect anomalous behavior. 5. Regularly check Adobe’s official channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 6. Use network segmentation to limit the spread of any compromise originating from a vulnerable FrameMaker host. 7. Consider disabling or restricting the use of FrameMaker in environments where it is not essential until a patch is released. 8. Implement robust email filtering and attachment scanning to reduce the risk of malicious files reaching end users.