CVE-2025-30299 Overview
CVE-2025-30299 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.8, 2022.6, and earlier. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. The flaw requires user interaction: a victim must open a malicious file crafted by an attacker.
The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-122] (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and [CWE-787] (Out-of-bounds Write). Adobe published a fix in security advisory APSB25-33. The EPSS probability is 0.22% with a percentile of 12.3.
Critical Impact
Arbitrary code execution under the current user's privileges when a crafted Framemaker document is opened on Windows.
Affected Products
- Adobe Framemaker 2020.8 and earlier 2020.x releases
- Adobe Framemaker 2022.6 and earlier 2022.x releases
- Microsoft Windows installations running affected Framemaker versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-08 - CVE-2025-30299 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-30299
Vulnerability Analysis
The defect is a heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Framemaker's file parsing logic. When Framemaker processes a malformed document, the application writes past the bounds of a heap-allocated buffer. The out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent heap structures, which an attacker can shape to redirect execution flow.
Exploitation requires the victim to open an attacker-supplied file. Once opened, the corrupted heap allocations can be leveraged to overwrite function pointers, vtable entries, or heap metadata. The attack runs entirely on the local system but does not require prior authentication on the Framemaker host.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient bounds checking on data read from a Framemaker document before copying it into a fixed-size heap buffer. The parser trusts a length value embedded in the file structure without validating it against the destination allocation size. This combination of [CWE-122] and [CWE-787] permits a controlled out-of-bounds write.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted .fm, .book, or related Framemaker file through email, file share, or web download. When the target opens the file in a vulnerable Framemaker build, the parsing routine triggers the heap overflow and executes the attacker's payload with the user's privileges.
No public proof-of-concept exploit has been observed. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-33 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30299
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by FrameMaker.exe, including cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or script interpreters
- Crash dumps or Windows Error Reporting events naming Framemaker modules with access violation codes
- Framemaker document files arriving from external email senders or untrusted shares immediately before a crash
- Outbound network connections initiated by FrameMaker.exe to non-Adobe destinations
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process lineage for FrameMaker.exe parents spawning shell or scripting binaries, which indicates post-exploitation activity
- Alert on heap corruption signatures in Windows Error Reporting events tied to Framemaker image paths
- Inspect inbound email and web gateway logs for Framemaker file extensions delivered to users running affected versions
Monitoring Recommendations
- Inventory endpoints running Adobe Framemaker and confirm installed versions against the patched releases
- Enable command-line and module-load auditing on workstations where Framemaker is installed
- Forward endpoint telemetry to a centralized SIEM or data lake to correlate file open events with subsequent process creation
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30299
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Adobe Framemaker security update referenced in advisory APSB25-33 to all affected installations
- Restrict opening of Framemaker documents received from untrusted sources until patching is complete
- Run Framemaker under standard user accounts rather than administrative accounts to limit impact
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds for Framemaker 2020 and Framemaker 2022 in the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-33. Administrators should update beyond versions 2020.8 and 2022.6 to receive the patch.
Workarounds
- Block delivery of Framemaker file extensions at email and web gateways for users who do not require them
- Use Windows Attack Surface Reduction rules to prevent Office and document applications from creating child processes
- Open suspicious Framemaker files only inside an isolated virtual machine without network access
# Example: query installed Framemaker version on Windows endpoints
wmic product where "Name like 'Adobe FrameMaker%%'" get Name,Version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
