Adobe InDesign versions ID20.0, ID19.5.1 and earlier are impacted by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This vulnerability allows for the disclosure of sensitive memory. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to bypass mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). Notably, exploitation of this issue requires user interaction, as a victim must open a malicious file.
With a CVSS score of 5.5, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity. The attack vector is local, and it has low attack complexity. The requirement for user interaction indicates that an attacker cannot exploit the vulnerability remotely without first persuading a user to open a compromised file.
Risk to organizations includes potential exposure of sensitive data, which could have serious implications depending on the nature of the information disclosed. Thus, organizations using affected versions of InDesign should take immediate action to address this vulnerability.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent unauthorized access and mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21124 is characterized by an out-of-bounds read in Adobe InDesign. The affected versions include ID20.0, ID19.5.1, and earlier. The CVSS score of 5.5 falls into a medium severity category, indicating a moderate level of risk. The official description provided by Adobe cites that the vulnerability can lead to the disclosure of sensitive memory.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, indicating an out-of-bounds read. Organizations are advised to assess their use of InDesign and apply the necessary updates.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-21124 stems from inadequate bounds checking within the InDesign application. This flaw allows for an attacker to read memory locations that are outside the allocated buffer. The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must have physical or logical access to the system to exploit the vulnerability.
The attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required to execute the attack. However, user interaction is necessary, as the victim must open a specially crafted file that triggers the vulnerability.
Regarding potential impacts, the confidentiality impact is rated as high, meaning sensitive information may be disclosed. Integrity and availability impacts are rated as none, indicating that the vulnerability does not alter data or affect system uptime.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2025-21124 is significant, especially for organizations that handle sensitive information. The potential for exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to confidential data, which is particularly concerning for industries that rely on InDesign for document production.
Organizations should assess the blast radius of this vulnerability, considering the number of users who may access InDesign and the type of data they handle. The urgency assessment is medium due to its CVSS score of 5.5 and the necessity for user interaction for exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include Adobe InDesign ID20.0, ID19.5.1, and earlier versions prior to ID19.5.2. If version information is missing, organizations should consider all versions prior to vendor patch as vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the necessary patches to remediate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting file access or monitoring for unusual file activity. For further assistance, organizations may engage in penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation, organizations should monitor system logs for unusual file access patterns. Behavioral anomalies, such as attempts to open files from untrusted sources, should also be logged. Additionally, network signatures related to file manipulations can provide insights into potential attacks.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-21124 lies in its representation of ongoing risks in software that requires user interaction for exploitation. Security teams must recognize the importance of user education regarding safe file handling practices. This vulnerability serves as a reminder to continually assess software configurations.
Organizations should consider a robust security awareness program to mitigate risks associated with user-driven vulnerabilities.
Additionally, organizations should align their security efforts with best practices in penetration testing methodologies to ensure comprehensive coverage against potential threats.
Lastly, staying informed about emerging threats in the landscape, such as those related to Adobe products, is crucial for proactive defense. Regular updates and security assessments are vital components of an effective security strategy.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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