CVE-2025-30303 Overview
CVE-2025-30303 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability affecting Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.8, 2022.6, and earlier. The flaw allows disclosure of sensitive process memory when a victim opens a malicious file. Attackers can leverage the leaked memory to bypass exploit mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), making follow-on exploitation more reliable. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-125] (Out-of-bounds Read) and requires local user interaction.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation discloses sensitive memory contents that can be used to defeat ASLR and support chained exploitation against Adobe Framemaker on Windows.
Affected Products
- Adobe Framemaker 2020.8 and earlier 2020.x releases
- Adobe Framemaker 2022.6 and earlier 2022.x releases
- Microsoft Windows platforms running the affected Framemaker builds
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-08 - CVE-2025-30303 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-30303
Vulnerability Analysis
Adobe Framemaker parses complex document formats including FrameMaker binary files, MIF, XML, and image assets. The out-of-bounds read occurs while the application processes a crafted file, causing the parser to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundary. The returned bytes are then handled as legitimate document data.
Because the read touches adjacent process memory, attackers can extract pointers, heap metadata, or library addresses. This information reveals the memory layout of the Framemaker process. Exploitation requires the victim to open the malicious document, aligning with the local attack vector and required user interaction described by the CVSS metrics.
Root Cause
The defect stems from missing or insufficient bounds validation when parsing attacker-controlled fields inside a Framemaker document. The parser trusts a size or offset value derived from the file without verifying it against the allocated buffer size. When the value exceeds the buffer, the read continues into adjacent memory regions.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts a malicious Framemaker-compatible file and delivers it through email, a shared drive, or a web download. When the victim opens the file in a vulnerable Framemaker version, the parser triggers the out-of-bounds read and returns memory contents through error paths, embedded objects, or downstream rendering. The attacker uses the disclosed addresses to bypass ASLR in a subsequent memory-corruption exploit.
No public proof-of-concept exploit or CISA KEV listing exists for this vulnerability at the time of writing. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-33 for vendor-supplied technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30303
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Framemaker process crashes or Windows Error Reporting entries referencing FrameMaker.exe after opening documents from untrusted sources
- Delivery of .fm, .mif, .book, or related Framemaker documents from external email senders or unverified web downloads
- Framemaker spawning unusual child processes or performing network connections immediately after opening a document
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for Framemaker file opens correlated with process anomalies, module loads, or exception events
- Inspect email and web gateways for Framemaker document attachments originating from untrusted external sources
- Apply YARA or content inspection rules that flag malformed structures in Framemaker file formats
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track Framemaker version inventory across workstations to identify hosts running 2020.8, 2022.6, or earlier builds
- Alert on Framemaker processes that read or write outside expected document directories
- Retain endpoint process and file telemetry for forensic review of suspected document-borne exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30303
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Adobe Framemaker to the fixed releases identified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-33
- Restrict opening of Framemaker documents received from untrusted or external senders until patching is complete
- Communicate the risk to technical writing and documentation teams that routinely handle Framemaker files
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds addressing CVE-2025-30303 in the APSB25-33 security bulletin. Administrators should deploy the updated Framemaker installers to all affected Windows endpoints and validate the installed version after upgrade. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-33 for exact fixed version numbers and download links.
Workarounds
- Block or quarantine Framemaker document attachments at the email gateway when the sender is external
- Open untrusted Framemaker files only inside isolated virtual machines or sandboxed environments
- Apply application allowlisting to restrict which users can launch Framemaker until patches are deployed
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
