CVE-2025-30298 Overview
CVE-2025-30298 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe FrameMaker versions 2020.8, 2022.6, and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a crafted file. Adobe published the security advisory APSB25-33 on April 8, 2025.
The vulnerability maps to [CWE-121] (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) and [CWE-787] (Out-of-bounds Write). Exploitation requires user interaction, which limits remote exploitation paths but remains viable through phishing and social engineering.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the FrameMaker user, enabling malware installation, credential theft, and lateral movement.
Affected Products
- Adobe FrameMaker 2020.8 and earlier 2020.x releases
- Adobe FrameMaker 2022.6 and earlier 2022.x releases
- Microsoft Windows hosts running affected FrameMaker versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-08 - CVE-2025-30298 published to NVD and Adobe advisory APSB25-33 released
- 2025-04-11 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-30298
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow triggered when Adobe FrameMaker parses a malicious document. FrameMaker writes attacker-controlled data beyond the bounds of a fixed-size stack buffer during file processing. The out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent stack memory, including saved return addresses and structured exception handler (SEH) records.
An attacker who controls the overflow contents can redirect program execution to attacker-supplied code. Because FrameMaker runs as the current user, code execution inherits that user's privileges. On workstations where the operator runs as a local administrator, the impact extends to full host compromise.
The vulnerability requires a victim to open a crafted FrameMaker-compatible file. Common delivery vectors include email attachments, drive-by downloads, and files staged on shared drives. The attack vector is local, but the social engineering layer is straightforward for adversaries already operating phishing infrastructure.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incorrect bounds checking during file parsing. FrameMaker copies variable-length data from an untrusted document into a fixed-size stack buffer without validating that the source length fits the destination. This pattern matches the classic [CWE-121] and [CWE-787] taxonomy.
Attack Vector
The attack begins with delivery of a malicious FrameMaker document such as .fm, .mif, or .book. When the victim opens the file, the parser processes a malformed record and overflows the stack buffer. The attacker uses the overflow to overwrite the saved return address or function pointer, then pivots execution to a return-oriented programming (ROP) chain or shellcode.
Adobe has not published exploitation primitives. No public proof-of-concept exploit is available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30298
Indicators of Compromise
- FrameMaker process (FrameMaker.exe) spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe
- Unusual outbound network connections initiated by FrameMaker.exe shortly after opening a document
- Crash events for FrameMaker.exe in the Windows Application event log with access violation exception codes
- New persistence entries (Run keys, scheduled tasks) created by the FrameMaker process or its children
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for process trees where FrameMaker.exe is the parent of script interpreters or LOLBins
- Inspect inbound email attachments and shared-drive uploads for FrameMaker file extensions originating from external senders
- Correlate FrameMaker crash telemetry with subsequent process creation or file writes in user profile directories
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard attack surface reduction rules that block Office-like child process creation patterns
- Forward Sysmon process creation, image load, and network connection events to a SIEM for retroactive hunting
- Track FrameMaker version inventory across endpoints to identify hosts still running 2020.8, 2022.6, or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30298
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Adobe FrameMaker updates documented in Adobe Security Bulletin APSB25-33 on all affected endpoints
- Block inbound FrameMaker file types at the email gateway when senders are external or untrusted
- Restrict FrameMaker installations to users who require the application and remove it from general-purpose workstations
- Enforce least privilege so FrameMaker users do not hold local administrator rights
Patch Information
Adobe addressed CVE-2025-30298 in the security update tracked under advisory APSB25-33. Customers running FrameMaker 2020.x must upgrade beyond 2020.8, and customers on 2022.x must upgrade beyond 2022.6. Refer to the Adobe FrameMaker Security Advisory for the exact post-patch version strings and download links.
Workarounds
- Open FrameMaker documents from untrusted sources only inside an isolated virtual machine or sandbox
- Use Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) or AppLocker to constrain child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe
- Disable file associations for FrameMaker file types on endpoints that do not require document editing
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
