Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.0, ID19.5.1 and earlier are affected by a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability that could result in an application denial-of-service. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to crash the application, leading to a denial-of-service condition. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file. As a result, the vulnerability has been classified with a CVSS score of 5.5, which is considered medium severity.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to disrupt the availability of the application, posing a risk to organizations that rely on InDesign for their operations. The urgency for defenders is highlighted by the requirement for user interaction, as it necessitates that victims open a malicious file. However, organizations should still prioritize remediation to prevent exploitation.
Organizations should address this vulnerability as part of their security practices, ensuring that users are educated about the risks associated with opening files from untrusted sources. Patching the affected versions of InDesign should be a priority to mitigate potential denial-of-service attacks.
As of now, there are no known exploits or public proof-of-concept reports associated with this vulnerability, indicating that immediate exploitation is unlikely. Nevertheless, vigilance is necessary as threat actors may develop malicious files targeting this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
InDesign Desktop versions ID20.0, ID19.5.1 and earlier are affected by a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability that could result in an application denial-of-service. The CVSS score of 5.5 indicates a medium severity level, with high availability impact and no confidentiality or integrity impact. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-476.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the handling of null pointers within the InDesign application. The attack vector is local, meaning that the attacker must have access to the victim's system. The attack complexity is low, allowing for straightforward exploitation given that user interaction is required. No privileges are needed to execute this attack, but user interaction is mandatory to open the malicious file.
The impacts of this vulnerability are significant: while confidentiality and integrity are not affected, the availability impact is rated as high, potentially leading to application crashes and disruptions in business operations. Organizations should implement measures to ensure users do not open untrusted files.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability is notable, especially for organizations heavily relying on Adobe InDesign for document creation and editing. The denial-of-service condition could result in significant downtime and productivity loss. Given the medium severity classification, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
The vulnerability's impact may extend beyond individual users, potentially affecting teams that depend on shared resources or collaborative platforms where InDesign files are used. Organizations should assess the blast radius and evaluate the urgency of remediation based on their operational dependencies on the affected application.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of Adobe InDesign include ID20.0 and ID19.5.1, along with all earlier versions. Organizations are advised to patch to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of Adobe InDesign to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not possible, implementing user training on the dangers of opening untrusted files can reduce risk. For ongoing security, organizations may also consider conducting regular security assessments, including application security assessments, to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their environments.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual application crashes or user reports of issues after opening files. Behavioral anomalies related to application performance should also be noted, as they may indicate attempts to exploit vulnerabilities. Additionally, network signatures that identify known threats associated with file interactions should be implemented.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-21125 lies in its demonstration of the potential risks associated with local application vulnerabilities. As applications continue to evolve, security teams must remain vigilant against such risks. This vulnerability highlights the importance of user education and the necessity of maintaining updated software to thwart exploitation attempts.
Security teams should also note that while this vulnerability is currently not actively exploited, the potential for future exploitation exists. Lessons learned from this incident should inform ongoing security practices, including regular vulnerability assessments and updates. For further reading on vulnerability management, consider exploring the vulnerability management program and best practices for future vulnerability mitigation.
Additionally, the evolving nature of application vulnerabilities means that organizations should be prepared for potential future threats. Regular training and awareness programs can aid in fostering a security-aware culture within organizations, making it imperative to stay informed about the latest trends and threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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