CVE-2025-54256 is a high-severity Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability affecting Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop versions 21.5 and earlier. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user by tricking them into clicking a malicious link. The vulnerability exploits the lack of proper CSRF protections in Dreamweaver Desktop, enabling unauthorized commands to be executed without the user's explicit consent. The attack requires user interaction, specifically clicking on a crafted link, which then triggers the malicious request. The scope of the vulnerability is changed, meaning that the impact extends beyond the initially affected component to potentially compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the user's environment. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.6, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for arbitrary code execution. Dreamweaver Desktop is a widely used web development tool, and exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, or further compromise of development environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could have serious consequences, especially for companies involved in web development, digital agencies, and enterprises relying on Adobe Dreamweaver for website creation and maintenance. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, allowing attackers to manipulate source code, inject malicious scripts, or exfiltrate sensitive project data. This could result in intellectual property theft, defacement of websites, or introduction of backdoors into web applications before deployment. Additionally, compromised developer machines could serve as pivot points for broader network intrusions. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to target employees, increasing the risk. Given the high CVSS score, the vulnerability threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, potentially disrupting business operations and damaging reputations.

Organizations should prioritize updating Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop to the latest version once patches are released, as no official patch links are currently available. In the interim, implement strict email and web filtering to reduce the risk of phishing emails containing malicious links. Educate users about the dangers of clicking unsolicited or suspicious links, especially those related to development tools. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation can limit the impact of a compromised machine. Additionally, developers should consider running Dreamweaver in a restricted environment or sandbox to minimize potential damage. Monitoring logs for unusual activities related to Dreamweaver processes can help in early detection. Finally, organizations should review and enforce secure coding and deployment practices to mitigate downstream risks from compromised development environments.