CVE-2025-61826 is an integer underflow vulnerability classified under CWE-191 affecting Adobe Illustrator on iPad versions 3.0.9 and earlier. An integer underflow occurs when an arithmetic operation causes a value to wrap around below its minimum representable value, potentially leading to unexpected behavior such as memory corruption. In this case, the vulnerability can be triggered when a user opens a specially crafted malicious file in Illustrator on iPad, causing the application to mismanage internal data structures or buffers. This mismanagement can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current user, allowing an attacker to execute malicious payloads, manipulate files, or disrupt application functionality. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), indicating that successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of user data and application stability. No patches or exploit code are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed as of November 11, 2025. The vulnerability is specific to the iPad version of Illustrator, which is widely used by creative professionals for graphic design and digital art, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this platform.

For European organizations, especially those in the creative, advertising, media, and design sectors that utilize Adobe Illustrator on iPad, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, data theft, or destruction of intellectual property. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files. The compromise of Illustrator on iPad could also serve as a pivot point for further attacks within an organization’s network if the compromised device has access to sensitive resources. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that sensitive design files, client data, and proprietary information could be exposed or altered. Additionally, disruption of creative workflows could cause operational delays and financial losses. Given the increasing adoption of mobile creative tools, the threat surface is expanding, making timely mitigation critical.

1. Immediately educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted or unknown sources, emphasizing caution with email attachments and downloads. 2. Implement strict file validation and sandboxing policies where possible to isolate Illustrator on iPad from sensitive network resources. 3. Monitor Adobe’s security advisories closely for the release of patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly. 4. Employ mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies, restrict app permissions, and control file sharing on iPads used within the organization. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of monitoring unusual behaviors on iPads, such as unexpected code execution or file modifications. 6. Encourage regular backups of critical design files to secure, isolated storage to mitigate data loss in case of compromise. 7. Consider restricting the use of Illustrator on iPad to trusted users or environments until a patch is available. 8. Conduct phishing awareness training to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks delivering malicious files.