CVE-2025-54281 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability identified in Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.9, 2022.7, and earlier. Use After Free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow. In this case, the flaw enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user by convincing the victim to open a malicious Framemaker file. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically opening a crafted document, which triggers the use-after-free condition. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 indicates high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the potential for arbitrary code execution, which could lead to data theft, system compromise, or denial of service. Adobe Framemaker is widely used in technical publishing and documentation, making this vulnerability relevant to organizations relying on this software for content creation and management. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate risk mitigation through alternative controls.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-54281 could be substantial, especially for those in sectors heavily reliant on Adobe Framemaker, such as publishing houses, technical documentation providers, and engineering firms. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, resulting in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical documentation workflows. Since the vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, attackers could manipulate or destroy sensitive technical documents or use compromised systems as footholds for broader network infiltration. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted spear-phishing or social engineering attacks. The high CVSS score underscores the potential severity if exploited. European organizations with less mature endpoint security or insufficient user training are particularly at risk. Additionally, regulatory frameworks like GDPR impose strict data protection requirements, so breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to significant compliance penalties and reputational damage.

1. Monitor Adobe’s official channels and apply security patches immediately once released to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, restrict the use of Adobe Framemaker to trusted files and sources only, implementing strict file validation and sandboxing where possible. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious Framemaker files, emphasizing the importance of verifying file origins. 4. Employ advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory operations or code execution patterns. 5. Implement application whitelisting to limit execution of unauthorized code within the Framemaker environment. 6. Regularly back up critical documentation and maintain offline copies to ensure availability in case of compromise. 7. Conduct targeted phishing simulations and security awareness training focused on document-based attack vectors. 8. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a system is compromised through this vulnerability.