CVE-2025-54257 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, specifically versions 24.001.30254, 20.005.30774, 25.001.20672 and earlier. This vulnerability arises when the application improperly handles memory, allowing an attacker to use memory after it has been freed. Exploiting this flaw can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user. The attack vector requires local access and user interaction, as the victim must open a specially crafted malicious PDF file to trigger the vulnerability. The scope of the vulnerability is unchanged, meaning the exploit affects only the vulnerable component without extending privileges beyond the current user context. 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) shows that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and results in high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, and no patches are currently linked, suggesting that remediation may still be pending or in progress. The vulnerability affects a widely used PDF reader, which is commonly employed in enterprise and personal environments, making it a significant risk if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk due to the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat Reader across various sectors including government, finance, healthcare, and education. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to compromise user systems, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing campaigns or malicious document distribution could be effective attack vectors. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that sensitive European data protected under GDPR could be exposed or manipulated, leading to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, compromised endpoints could serve as footholds for lateral movement within networks, escalating the threat to critical infrastructure and business continuity.

European organizations should prioritize the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Immediately audit and inventory all Adobe Acrobat Reader installations to identify affected versions. 2) Monitor Adobe’s official channels for patches or security updates addressing CVE-2025-54257 and apply them promptly once available. 3) Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block malicious PDFs. 4) Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF files, emphasizing the necessity of verifying document sources. 5) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Consider restricting or sandboxing PDF reader applications to limit potential damage from exploitation. 7) Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of code spawned by malicious PDFs. 8) Regularly back up critical data and ensure recovery procedures are tested to mitigate availability impacts.