CVE-2025-65803 identifies an integer overflow vulnerability within the psdParser::ReadImageData function of the FreeImage library, versions 3.18.0 and earlier. FreeImage is an open-source library widely used for image processing tasks, including reading and writing various image formats such as PSD (Adobe Photoshop Document) files. The vulnerability arises when the function improperly handles certain size or length fields while parsing PSD image data, leading to an integer overflow. This overflow can cause memory corruption or application crashes when processing a crafted PSD file. An attacker can exploit this by supplying a malicious PSD file to any application or service that uses the vulnerable FreeImage library for PSD parsing. The primary impact is a Denial of Service (DoS), where the targeted application may crash or become unresponsive, disrupting normal operations. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction beyond opening or processing the malicious file. Currently, there are no known public exploits or active exploitation campaigns. The lack of a CVSS score suggests the vulnerability is newly published and not yet fully assessed. However, the nature of the flaw indicates a moderate risk, primarily affecting availability rather than confidentiality or integrity. The vulnerability affects any software or service that integrates FreeImage for PSD file handling, including image editing tools, content management systems, or automated image processing pipelines. The absence of patches or mitigations at the time of publication necessitates cautious handling of PSD files from untrusted sources.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-65803 is the potential disruption of services that rely on FreeImage for PSD file processing. This includes media companies, graphic design firms, digital content providers, and software developers integrating FreeImage into their products. A successful exploit could cause application crashes or service outages, leading to operational downtime and productivity loss. While the vulnerability does not appear to allow code execution or data breaches, repeated or targeted DoS attacks could degrade service availability and damage organizational reputation. Organizations that automate image processing or use PSD files in workflows may face increased risk if malicious files are introduced via email, file uploads, or third-party content. The impact is more significant for critical systems that depend on continuous availability or have limited redundancy. Additionally, the lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the possibility of future weaponization. European entities with strict uptime requirements or regulatory obligations around service continuity should prioritize addressing this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-65803, European organizations should first identify all software and services that utilize the FreeImage library, particularly versions 3.18.0 and earlier. Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for PSD files, rejecting or quarantining files from untrusted or unknown sources. Employ sandboxing or containerization techniques to isolate image processing components, limiting the impact of potential crashes. Monitoring and logging PSD file processing activities can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling PSD file support temporarily if feasible or replacing FreeImage with alternative libraries that do not have this vulnerability. Regularly check for updates from FreeImage maintainers and apply patches promptly once available. Additionally, educate users and administrators about the risks of opening untrusted PSD files and enforce policies restricting file uploads or email attachments to trusted formats and sources. Network-level controls such as intrusion detection systems can be tuned to flag suspicious PSD file traffic. Finally, maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize downtime in case of successful DoS attacks.