Adobe InDesign versions ID20.0, ID19.5.1 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability. This vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction, specifically that a victim must open a malicious file. The severity of this vulnerability is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating that it poses significant risks to users and organizations.
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized code execution, which could lead to data breaches or system compromise. Given that exploitation requires user interaction, the risk increases if users are not vigilant about the files they open. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent any potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
As of now, there are no known exploits available in the wild, and the vulnerability has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the potential impact of this vulnerability necessitates immediate attention and remediation efforts.
Organizations using affected versions of InDesign should take action to mitigate any risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that 'InDesign Desktop versions ID20.0, ID19.5.1 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.' The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, which denotes improper access of memory locations. The CVSS 3.1 vector for this vulnerability is 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H', indicating a local attack vector with low complexity and no privileges required.
The vulnerability was published on February 11, 2025. Organizations running InDesign should evaluate their versions and prioritize upgrades to mitigate any risks associated with this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of input data, leading to an out-of-bounds write condition. The attack vector is local, implying that an attacker must have physical or authenticated access to the system. The complexity of the attack is low, as it requires minimal technical skill beyond luring a victim to open a malicious file.
No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is necessary, as the user must open the malicious file for the attack to succeed. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is classified as high, as successful exploitation could lead to significant system compromise.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using Adobe InDesign are at real-world risk due to this vulnerability. The potential blast radius includes any systems where InDesign is installed, particularly in environments where users may interact with untrusted files. The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is high, given the CVSS score of 7.8 and the requirement for user interaction, which could lead to widespread exploitation if not properly managed.
Organizations should schedule remediation as soon as possible to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Awareness training for users regarding the dangers of opening untrusted files could further reduce the risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Adobe InDesign include ID20.0 and ID19.5.1, as well as all earlier versions prior to the vendor patch. Organizations are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate any risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Adobe to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, continuous monitoring and security training for users can reduce the risk of exploitation. For comprehensive testing of security controls, organizations should consider implementing penetration testing to identify any similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual file access patterns and user interactions with InDesign. Behavioral anomalies that lead to unexpected application crashes or errors should also be investigated. Additionally, network signatures specific to known exploitation attempts can enhance detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability highlights the importance of robust security practices in application development. Organizations must recognize that even common software can harbor critical vulnerabilities if not properly managed. This incident serves as a reminder of the necessity for ongoing security assessments. Security teams can benefit from implementing a vulnerability management program to ensure that vulnerabilities are identified and remediated in a timely manner. Furthermore, adopting a proactive approach to security, such as penetration testing methodology, can help organizations mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-21121. Finally, understanding the red teaming process can provide valuable insights into potential attack vectors and enhance overall security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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