CVE-2025-27171 Overview
CVE-2025-27171 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.1, ID19.5.2, and earlier. The flaw allows attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a crafted malicious file. Adobe disclosed the issue in security bulletin APSB25-19 on March 11, 2025. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-122] (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and [CWE-787] (Out-of-Bounds Write).
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected workstation on both Windows and macOS.
Affected Products
- Adobe InDesign Desktop ID20.1 and earlier
- Adobe InDesign Desktop ID19.5.2 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS installations of the affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-11 - CVE-2025-27171 published to NVD
- 2025-03-11 - Adobe releases security bulletin APSB25-19 with patched versions
- 2025-04-28 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-27171
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Adobe InDesign's file parsing routines, where untrusted input from a crafted document triggers a heap-based buffer overflow. When InDesign processes specific structures within a malicious file, it writes data beyond the bounds of an allocated heap buffer. This out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent heap metadata or object pointers used by the application.
Attackers who control the overflowed data can steer execution toward attacker-supplied code or gadgets. Because InDesign runs with the privileges of the invoking user, successful exploitation grants the attacker equivalent access. This typically includes the ability to read user files, install persistence, or pivot toward additional systems on the network.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of length or size fields parsed from an untrusted InDesign document. The parser allocates a heap buffer based on one value but copies data using another, producing an out-of-bounds write classified under [CWE-122] and [CWE-787]. Adobe's advisory APSB25-19 does not enumerate the specific file structure, but the defect is consistent with prior InDesign parser flaws.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local user interaction. The victim must open a malicious .indd or related InDesign file delivered through phishing, file-sharing platforms, or compromised collaboration tools. No network access or elevated privileges are required to trigger the flaw. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-19 for the authoritative technical reference.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code is currently known, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27171
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by InDesign.exe on Windows or the Adobe InDesign binary on macOS, particularly shells, scripting interpreters, or rundll32.exe.
- InDesign process crashes or Windows Error Reporting events referencing heap corruption after opening third-party documents.
- InDesign files arriving from untrusted email senders, external file-sharing links, or unknown USB media.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for anomalous process lineage where InDesign launches command-line interpreters, network utilities, or persistence-related binaries.
- Inspect endpoint telemetry for memory access violations and exception events tied to InDesign image loads.
- Correlate file-open events on .indd, .idml, and related extensions with subsequent suspicious process or network activity.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line and process-creation auditing on workstations where InDesign is installed.
- Forward Adobe application logs and EDR telemetry to a centralized analytics platform for retrospective hunting.
- Track installed InDesign versions across the fleet to identify hosts still running ID20.1, ID19.5.2, or earlier builds.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27171
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed InDesign versions published in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-19 on all Windows and macOS workstations.
- Instruct users to avoid opening InDesign documents from untrusted or unverified sources until patches are deployed.
- Inventory endpoints running affected versions and prioritize patching for users handling externally sourced creative assets.
Patch Information
Adobe addressed CVE-2025-27171 in the updates documented in bulletin APSB25-19, released on March 11, 2025. Administrators should upgrade Adobe InDesign to the fixed releases listed in the advisory. Use the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application or enterprise deployment tooling to push updates to managed endpoints.
Workarounds
- Restrict opening of InDesign files to those originating from trusted internal sources until patching is complete.
- Apply application allowlisting and attack surface reduction rules that prevent Office and creative applications from spawning script interpreters or shells.
- Run InDesign under standard user accounts without local administrator privileges to limit post-exploitation impact.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
