CVE-2025-61816 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) identified in Adobe InCopy versions 20.5, 19.5.5, and earlier. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers when processing certain file inputs, allowing an attacker to overwrite heap memory. Successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector requires the victim to open a maliciously crafted InCopy file, making user interaction mandatory. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects 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 impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No public exploits or patches are available at the time of disclosure, indicating a window of exposure. Adobe InCopy is widely used in editorial and publishing workflows, making this vulnerability particularly relevant to organizations handling content creation and media production.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-61816 can be significant, especially for those in publishing, media, and creative industries that rely heavily on Adobe InCopy. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive editorial content, manipulate documents, or disrupt publishing workflows. This could result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, reputational damage, and operational downtime. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver malicious files. The compromise of user accounts could also serve as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, organizations may face regulatory and compliance consequences under GDPR if personal data is exposed or manipulated.

1. Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted or unknown sources, emphasizing caution with email attachments and downloads. 2. Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block potentially malicious InCopy files. 3. Restrict the use of Adobe InCopy to trusted networks and users with minimal necessary privileges to limit potential damage. 4. Monitor for unusual application behavior or crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Apply application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code. 6. Once Adobe releases patches or updates addressing this vulnerability, prioritize immediate deployment across all affected systems. 7. Consider sandboxing or isolating Adobe InCopy usage environments to contain potential exploits. 8. Maintain regular backups of critical content to enable recovery in case of compromise.