InDesign Desktop versions ID20.0, ID19.5.1 and earlier are affected by an Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 7.8, categorizing it as high severity, indicating that organizations should address it in priority patch cycles.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and control over affected systems if the vulnerability is exploited. Given the requirement for user interaction, attackers may employ social engineering tactics to entice users into opening malicious files.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. As of now, there are no known public exploits or proof-of-concept code available for this vulnerability, indicating that it remains unexploited in the wild.
In summary, the Integer Underflow vulnerability in Adobe InDesign is significant and requires immediate attention from organizations using affected software versions.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-191, which pertains to Integer Underflow vulnerabilities. The CVSS score of 7.8 highlights a high level of risk due to its potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Organizations utilizing Adobe InDesign should be aware of the specific versions affected, which include ID20.0 and ID19.5.1 and earlier releases.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values, leading to underflow conditions that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The attack vector is local, requiring the user to open a malicious file, which indicates that the attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required. User interaction is mandatory for exploitation, as a victim must actively open the malicious file.
The impacts of successful exploitation are severe, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and disrupt services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk is significant, especially in environments where users are likely to open files without proper scrutiny. The potential blast radius is considerable, as arbitrary code execution could result in widespread system compromise.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize patching based on their risk profiles. Given that this vulnerability is not currently part of the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should still treat it with urgency due to its potential for exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include InDesign Desktop ID20.0 and ID19.5.1, as well as all earlier versions prior to vendor patch.
Mitigation & Remediation
Adobe has released patches for affected versions. Organizations should apply the latest updates to eliminate this vulnerability. For those unable to apply the patch immediately, a temporary workaround may include restricting the opening of files from untrusted sources.
For further measures, organizations can implement security controls such as enhanced email filtering, user training on recognizing malicious attachments, and continuous monitoring of file access.
Penetration testing can also help identify other vulnerabilities that may exist within the environment.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual file access patterns and user behavior can aid in early detection of potential exploitation attempts related to this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should look for signs of unauthorized access or changes to system configurations.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The Integer Underflow vulnerability in Adobe InDesign exemplifies ongoing risks associated with software that requires user interaction for exploitation. As users become more vigilant, attackers are likely to adapt their strategies, emphasizing the need for continuous security assessments.
Organizations must implement robust security measures, including regular updates and user training, to mitigate risks associated with such vulnerabilities. For a comprehensive approach, consider reviewing your organization's security posture with our vulnerability management program.
Engaging in comprehensive penetration testing methodology can provide insights into potential weaknesses, ensuring that your systems remain secure.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, it's vital for organizations to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-21158 and to adopt proactive security measures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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