CVE-2025-27193 Overview
CVE-2025-27193 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Adobe Bridge versions 14.1.5, 15.0.2, and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a crafted file. Exploitation requires user interaction, limiting drive-by attack scenarios but aligning the vulnerability with phishing and social engineering workflows. Adobe addressed the issue in security bulletin APSB25-25 and assigned it to weakness categories [CWE-122] (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and [CWE-787] (Out-of-bounds Write). The vulnerability impacts Adobe Bridge installations on both Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution as the logged-in user, enabling malware installation, credential theft, or lateral movement from a single malicious file.
Affected Products
- Adobe Bridge 14.1.5 and earlier
- Adobe Bridge 15.0.2 and earlier
- Adobe Bridge on Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-08 - CVE-2025-27193 published to NVD
- 2025-05-05 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-27193
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow within Adobe Bridge file parsing routines. When Bridge processes a malformed asset, the application writes data beyond the bounds of a heap-allocated buffer. This out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent heap metadata or object pointers used by Bridge during media indexing and preview rendering. Attackers can leverage the corruption to redirect execution flow and run arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Bridge. The local attack vector means the exploit payload is delivered through a file the victim opens, typically via email, removable media, or a downloaded archive. Adobe Bridge is widely deployed across creative and marketing teams, exposing organizations to targeted social engineering campaigns that abuse trust in design file formats.
Root Cause
The root cause is inadequate bounds checking during parsing of file structures handled by Adobe Bridge. The parser allocates a heap buffer based on attacker-controlled size or offset fields, then writes data without validating that the write stays within the allocated region. This pattern matches both [CWE-122] and [CWE-787] classifications assigned to the issue.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious file targeting one of the formats Adobe Bridge parses. The file is delivered to the victim through email, file sharing, or an embedded asset in a project bundle. When the victim opens the file in Bridge, the parser triggers the heap overflow and the attacker's payload executes with the user's privileges. No network exposure is required, and no privileges beyond the current user session are needed by the attacker. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-25 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27193
Indicators of Compromise
- Adobe Bridge (Bridge.exe on Windows, Adobe Bridge on macOS) spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, bash, or osascript.
- Crashes or unexpected restarts of Adobe Bridge logged in Windows Event Viewer or macOS unified logs immediately after opening a file.
- New persistence artifacts (scheduled tasks, LaunchAgents, registry Run keys) created by the Bridge process or its children.
- Outbound network connections from Bridge to unknown hosts shortly after a file open event.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process lineage for Adobe Bridge spawning command interpreters or scripting hosts, which is anomalous for a media management tool.
- Hunt for file write activity by Bridge into autostart locations or user profile directories outside of standard cache paths.
- Correlate Bridge crash events with subsequent process creation or network activity on the same host.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Inventory endpoints running Adobe Bridge and confirm versions against the patched baselines listed in APSB25-25.
- Alert on execution of Adobe Bridge versions 14.1.5, 15.0.2, or earlier after patch deadlines have passed.
- Log file open events for high-risk extensions handled by Bridge originating from email attachments or downloads.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27193
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Adobe Bridge updates referenced in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-25 on all Windows and macOS endpoints.
- Identify affected installations of versions 14.1.5, 15.0.2, and earlier through software inventory tooling.
- Instruct users not to open Bridge files received from untrusted sources until patches are deployed.
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed versions of Bridge in security bulletin APSB25-25 on April 8, 2025. Administrators should deploy the updated versions through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application or enterprise deployment tooling. Validate post-patch versions exceed 14.1.5 and 15.0.2 respectively.
Workarounds
- Restrict execution of Adobe Bridge to users with a documented business need until patches are applied.
- Block inbound delivery of Bridge-handled file formats from external senders at the email gateway.
- Enforce application allowlisting to prevent Bridge child processes from launching script interpreters or shells.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
