CVE-2025-27169: Adobe Illustrator RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-27169 Overview

CVE-2025-27169 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Adobe Illustrator versions 29.2.1, 28.7.4, and earlier. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction: a victim must open a malicious file crafted to trigger the memory corruption.

The vulnerability affects Adobe Illustrator on both Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS platforms. Adobe addressed the issue in Security Bulletin APSB25-17. The flaw is tracked under [CWE-787] (Out-of-bounds Write) and carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Illustrator, enabling malware installation, data theft, or lateral movement.

Affected Products

Adobe Illustrator 29.2.1 and earlier (2025 release)
Adobe Illustrator 28.7.4 and earlier (2024 release)
Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS platforms

Discovery Timeline

2025-03-11 - CVE-2025-27169 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-27169

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when Adobe Illustrator processes a malformed file. When the application parses crafted input, it writes data past the bounds of an allocated buffer. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent structures, control program flow, and ultimately execute arbitrary code in the user's security context.

Because Illustrator opens many third-party file formats, the attack surface includes both native .ai files and supported import formats. Files arriving via email, downloads, or shared collaboration platforms are common delivery vectors.

Root Cause

The underlying defect is classified as [CWE-787] Out-of-bounds Write. The parser fails to correctly validate the size or offset of an input field before writing to memory. Adobe has not published low-level technical details. Refer to the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB25-17 for vendor guidance.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker crafts a malicious Illustrator-compatible file and delivers it through phishing emails, malicious websites, or compromised file-sharing channels. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable Illustrator version, the malformed structure triggers the out-of-bounds write and the embedded payload executes with the user's privileges.

No authentication is required on the target system, and exploitation does not need elevated privileges. The resulting code runs at the same trust level as the victim.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27169

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected Illustrator process crashes or hangs immediately after opening a file from an external source.
Child processes spawned by Illustrator.exe (Windows) or Adobe Illustrator (macOS) such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, bash, or osascript.
Outbound network connections initiated by the Illustrator process to unfamiliar hosts shortly after file open.
Creation of new executables, scripts, or scheduled tasks following the opening of .ai, .eps, .pdf, or .svg files.

Detection Strategies

Monitor for anomalous process lineage where Illustrator spawns scripting interpreters or shells, which is uncommon during normal use.
Inspect endpoint telemetry for memory access violations or exception events in the Illustrator process tied to file parsing.
Hunt for recently delivered design files from untrusted senders, especially those bypassing email gateway sandboxing.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed process creation logging on workstations used by designers and creative teams.
Forward Illustrator crash reports and Windows Error Reporting (WER) data to a central log platform for review.
Track installed Illustrator versions across the fleet and alert on hosts still running 29.2.1, 28.7.4, or earlier.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27169

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the Adobe Illustrator security updates referenced in APSB25-17 on all Windows and macOS endpoints.
Inventory creative workstations and prioritize patching for users who regularly receive external design files.
Educate designers and marketing teams to avoid opening unsolicited .ai, .eps, or related files from unknown senders.

Patch Information

Adobe released fixed versions in Security Bulletin APSB25-17 on March 11, 2025. Update Adobe Illustrator to the patched releases beyond 29.2.1 and 28.7.4 via the Creative Cloud desktop application or enterprise deployment tools. Confirm the installed version through Help → About Illustrator after updating.

Workarounds

Block or quarantine Illustrator-compatible attachments at the email gateway when senders are unverified.
Restrict opening of design files to a hardened review workstation isolated from sensitive resources until patching is complete.
Apply application allowlisting to prevent Illustrator from spawning shells or scripting interpreters.

bash

# Verify installed Illustrator version on macOS
defaults read "/Applications/Adobe Illustrator 2025/Adobe Illustrator.app/Contents/Info.plist" CFBundleShortVersionString

# Verify installed Illustrator version on Windows (PowerShell)
Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\*" |
  Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "*Illustrator*" } |
  Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion