Adobe InDesign versions 21.0, 19.5.5, and earlier are affected by a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code, which poses a significant risk to organizations that utilize this software. The severity of this vulnerability is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating that it is critical for organizations to address it promptly.
The exploitation of this issue requires user interaction, meaning that a victim must open a malicious file for the attack to be successful. This factor highlights the importance of user awareness and training in mitigating potential risks. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately to minimize the likelihood of exploitation.
Currently, there are no known exploits available in the wild, but the potential for exploitation remains. Organizations must remain vigilant and ensure their users are educated about the risks associated with opening unsolicited files.
In summary, the Adobe InDesign vulnerability presents a significant risk that requires immediate attention from organizations using this software. Implementing patches and enhancing user awareness should be a priority.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability affects Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 21.0, 19.5.5, and earlier. The official description indicates that this is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability, categorized under CWE-122 and CWE-787. The CVSS vector string 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, but with user interaction necessary.
The vulnerability was published on January 13, 2026. Organizations must be aware of the potential impacts, as successful exploitation could lead to high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper handling of input data, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow. This allows attackers to manipulate memory, which could result in arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have physical or remote access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, as it requires minimal effort to execute given that user interaction is the only requirement.
The privileges required for exploitation are none, meaning that an attacker does not need elevated permissions to exploit the vulnerability. User interaction is required, as the victim must open a malicious file. The potential impacts of a successful exploit include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, making this a critical vulnerability that organizations must address.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of arbitrary code execution, which could lead to data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Given the nature of the vulnerability and its exploitation requirements, organizations face a significant risk if they do not prioritize remediation.
With a CVSS score of 7.8, this vulnerability falls into the high severity category, indicating that it should be addressed in the priority patch cycle. The impacts could be devastating, especially for organizations handling sensitive or proprietary information.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Additionally, they should consider implementing user training programs to educate employees about the risks associated with opening malicious files.
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 21.0 and 19.5.5, as well as all earlier versions. Users should ensure they are using the latest patched versions to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should implement the following actions to address this vulnerability:
1. Update to the latest version of Adobe InDesign to ensure that the patch is applied.
2. Educate users on the importance of not opening suspicious files.
For more in-depth guidance, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to validate their security measures.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor the following indicators:
1. Log entries related to file openings, especially for files from untrusted sources.
2. Behavioral anomalies in applications, particularly Adobe InDesign.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing risks associated with user interaction in software applications. As attackers increasingly leverage user behavior to exploit vulnerabilities, it is crucial for organizations to implement robust user education programs. It also emphasizes the need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Security teams should stay informed about emerging threats and trends. For further insights, organizations can refer to our penetration testing methodology and consider adopting a continuous security approach to bolster defenses.
In conclusion, organizations must remain proactive in their security posture, particularly when dealing with vulnerabilities that require user interaction for exploitation.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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