CVE-2025-61842 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability identified in Adobe Format Plugins versions 1.1.1 and earlier. The vulnerability arises when the plugin improperly manages memory, freeing an object while it is still in use, which can lead to memory exposure. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious file that, when opened by a victim using the affected plugin, triggers the use-after-free condition. This results in the potential disclosure of sensitive information residing in memory. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically opening a malicious file, but does not require any privileges or authentication, making it accessible to remote attackers who can deliver files via email or other means. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting medium severity, with a vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), and no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). No patches or known exploits are currently available, increasing the importance of defensive measures. This vulnerability primarily threatens confidentiality by exposing memory contents, which could include sensitive data such as credentials or proprietary information. Given Adobe's widespread use in document processing, the vulnerability could affect numerous organizations that rely on these plugins for file handling and viewing.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-61842 is the potential exposure of sensitive information due to memory disclosure. Industries that heavily rely on Adobe products for document management, such as legal, financial, government, and media sectors, are at higher risk. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious files, increasing the threat vector. Confidentiality breaches could lead to data leaks, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), reputational damage, and financial losses. Since the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, operational disruption is less likely. However, the exposure of sensitive data could facilitate further attacks or espionage. European organizations with extensive document workflows and those that frequently exchange files with external partners are particularly vulnerable. The lack of patches means organizations must rely on mitigations until Adobe releases an update.

1. Implement strict email filtering and attachment scanning to block or quarantine suspicious files that could exploit this vulnerability. 2. Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted or unknown sources to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering. 3. Employ application sandboxing or containerization for Adobe Format Plugins to isolate the plugin process and limit memory exposure. 4. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior related to file handling and memory access within Adobe applications. 5. Restrict the use of Adobe Format Plugins to only trusted environments and consider disabling or replacing them with alternative tools where feasible. 6. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly address any data exposure incidents. 7. Monitor Adobe security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once available. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit exposure of critical systems that process sensitive documents. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on user behavior, process isolation, and proactive monitoring specific to the nature of this vulnerability.