CVE-2025-30310: Adobe Dreamweaver RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-30310 Overview

CVE-2025-30310 is a type confusion vulnerability in Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop versions 21.4 and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a malicious file. Adobe disclosed the issue in security advisory APSB25-35 on May 13, 2025.

The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-843] (Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type). Exploitation requires local user interaction, limiting remote attack scenarios but creating risk in phishing and supply chain scenarios where users open untrusted project files.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full workstation compromise.

Affected Products

Adobe Dreamweaver Desktop versions 21.4 and earlier
Microsoft Windows installations of Adobe Dreamweaver
Apple macOS installations of Adobe Dreamweaver

Discovery Timeline

2025-05-13 - Adobe publishes security advisory APSB25-35
2025-05-13 - CVE-2025-30310 published to NVD
2025-05-14 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-30310

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from improper type checking when Dreamweaver processes structured data within a project or asset file. Type confusion occurs when code accesses a resource using an incompatible type, causing the application to interpret memory as a different object than intended.

Attackers craft a malicious file that triggers the type mismatch during parsing. The misinterpreted memory layout enables control over a function pointer, virtual table entry, or object field. This control path leads to arbitrary code execution within the Dreamweaver process.

Because Dreamweaver runs with the privileges of the interactive user, executed code inherits access to user files, network resources, and credentials cached in the desktop session.

Root Cause

The root cause is a missing or incorrect type validation check before a cast or dispatch operation. The application trusts type metadata supplied through file input rather than validating object identity at runtime. [CWE-843] vulnerabilities typically arise from polymorphic object handling where compiled code assumes a specific subclass.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local with required user interaction. An attacker delivers the malicious file through email attachments, compromised websites, shared project repositories, or removable media. The victim must open the file in Dreamweaver to trigger the flaw. The vulnerability does not provide a network-reachable entry point. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-35 for vendor technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30310

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected child processes spawned by Dreamweaver.exe on Windows or the Dreamweaver bundle on macOS, particularly shells, scripting interpreters, or rundll32.
Dreamweaver process crashes followed by suspicious binary execution from user-writable directories such as %TEMP% or ~/Library/Caches.
Inbound Dreamweaver project files (.dwt, .site, .ste) originating from untrusted email or web sources.

Detection Strategies

Monitor process lineage where Dreamweaver is the parent and the child is a non-Adobe executable, scripting host, or LOLBin.
Correlate Dreamweaver crash events in Windows Event Log Application (ID 1000) or macOS unified logs with subsequent file writes and network connections from the same user session.
Inspect project files at email gateways for anomalous structures inconsistent with legitimate Dreamweaver assets.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable command-line and process telemetry on workstations running Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Alert on outbound connections from Dreamweaver.exe to non-Adobe domains, as the application typically communicates only with Adobe infrastructure.
Track file open events for Dreamweaver project files sourced from download or temporary directories.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30310

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Adobe Dreamweaver to the version released in APSB25-35, which supersedes 21.4.
Inventory endpoints running Dreamweaver across Windows and macOS and prioritize patching for users handling external project files.
Instruct users to avoid opening Dreamweaver files received from untrusted senders until patching completes.

Patch Information

Adobe released a fixed version of Dreamweaver Desktop in security bulletin APSB25-35. Administrators should deploy the update through the Creative Cloud Desktop application or enterprise deployment tooling. Verify successful installation by confirming the application version exceeds 21.4. Full patch details are available in the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-35.

Workarounds

Restrict execution of Dreamweaver to users with a documented business need until the patch is deployed.
Block or quarantine Dreamweaver project file extensions at email and web proxies for inbound external traffic.
Apply application allowlisting to prevent Dreamweaver from launching unsigned child processes.

bash

# Verify installed Dreamweaver version on Windows
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Adobe\Dreamweaver" /s | findstr /i version

# Verify installed Dreamweaver version on macOS
mdls -name kMDItemVersion "/Applications/Adobe Dreamweaver 2021/Adobe Dreamweaver 2021.app"