CVE-2025-30296 Overview
CVE-2025-30296 is an integer underflow vulnerability [CWE-191] affecting Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.8, 2022.6, and earlier. The flaw can result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, where a victim must open a malicious file crafted to trigger the underflow condition. Adobe published a security bulletin (APSB25-33) addressing this issue along with related vulnerabilities in Framemaker.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected workstation.
Affected Products
- Adobe Framemaker 2020.8 and earlier
- Adobe Framemaker 2022.6 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows (host platform)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-08 - CVE-2025-30296 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-30296
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified as an Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) condition [CWE-191] within Adobe Framemaker's file parsing logic. Integer underflows occur when an arithmetic operation produces a value lower than the minimum representable value for the integer type, causing the value to wrap around to a large positive number. In file parsers, this typically corrupts subsequent length calculations and memory allocations.
When Framemaker processes a maliciously crafted document, the underflowed value can be used to compute buffer sizes or offsets. This leads to out-of-bounds memory access and corruption of adjacent memory regions. Attackers can leverage this corruption to redirect execution flow and run arbitrary code under the current user's context.
The attack vector is local, requires no privileges, and depends on user interaction to open the malicious file. Successful exploitation yields high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of arithmetic operations on size or length fields parsed from untrusted input files. Framemaker fails to verify that subtraction operations on parsed values cannot produce results below zero before using the result in subsequent memory operations.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious Framemaker document containing manipulated length or offset fields. The attacker delivers the file via email, web download, or other social engineering channel. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable Framemaker version, the integer underflow triggers and the embedded payload executes with the victim's privileges.
The vulnerability mechanism is not accompanied by a published proof-of-concept. Refer to the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB25-33 for vendor-supplied technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30296
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe, such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe.
- Framemaker process crashes or abnormal termination shortly after opening a document from an external source.
- Creation of unexpected executables or scripts in user-writable directories following Framemaker document access.
- Outbound network connections originating from the Framemaker process to unknown hosts.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process lineage for Framemaker spawning interpreters, shells, or living-off-the-land binaries.
- Apply behavioral analytics to identify memory corruption patterns and shellcode execution within FrameMaker.exe.
- Inspect .fm, .book, and related document files arriving via email or web download for anomalous structure.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed process creation logging (Windows Event ID 4688) on workstations running Framemaker.
- Forward endpoint telemetry to a centralized analytics platform for correlation across users and hosts.
- Track file integrity changes in user profile directories following document opens.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30296
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe Framemaker to the patched versions referenced in Adobe Security Bulletin APSB25-33.
- Inventory all endpoints running Framemaker 2020.8, 2022.6, and earlier, and prioritize patching for users handling external documents.
- Instruct users to avoid opening Framemaker documents from untrusted sources until patching is complete.
Patch Information
Adobe released updated builds of Framemaker 2020 and 2022 that remediate this issue. Administrators should consult the Adobe Security Bulletin APSB25-33 for specific fixed version numbers and download instructions.
Workarounds
- Restrict Framemaker file associations so documents from external sources do not auto-open.
- Apply application control policies to block Framemaker from launching child processes such as scripting hosts.
- Use email gateway rules to quarantine Framemaker document attachments originating outside the organization.
# Example: block FrameMaker from spawning common LOLBins via Windows Defender Application Control or AppLocker
# Sample AppLocker rule (deny child processes from FrameMaker.exe)
New-AppLockerPolicy -RuleType Path -User Everyone -Action Deny `
-Path "%PROGRAMFILES%\Adobe\Adobe FrameMaker*\FrameMaker.exe" `
-Description "Block FrameMaker from launching scripting hosts"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
