CVE-2025-61828 Overview
CVE-2025-61828 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe Illustrator on iPad versions 3.0.9 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 the attacker. Adobe published advisory APSB25-111 to address the issue.
Critical Impact
Opening a malicious file in Adobe Illustrator on iPad can trigger an out-of-bounds write, enabling arbitrary code execution under the affected user's context.
Affected Products
- Adobe Illustrator on iPad version 3.0.9
- Adobe Illustrator on iPad versions earlier than 3.0.9
- iPadOS devices running the vulnerable Illustrator mobile application
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-11 - CVE-2025-61828 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-61828
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787] in Adobe Illustrator on iPad. Out-of-bounds write conditions occur when an application writes data past the allocated bounds of a buffer. In this case, parsing logic in the affected versions fails to validate buffer boundaries before writing attacker-controlled data sourced from a crafted file.
An attacker who delivers a malicious Illustrator file to a target can corrupt adjacent memory structures when the file is opened. Depending on the corrupted structure, the attacker can hijack control flow and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current Illustrator user on iPadOS.
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. The attacker cannot trigger the flaw remotely without enticing the victim to open a crafted document, typically delivered through email, messaging, cloud storage, or web download.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient bounds checking during file parsing in Adobe Illustrator on iPad. Illustrator's document format parser writes beyond the boundary of an intended memory buffer when processing malformed structures. Adobe has not published specific component or function details in the public advisory.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires that a victim open a malicious Illustrator file using a vulnerable version of the iPad application. The attacker prepares a document that contains crafted fields designed to overflow internal buffers during parsing. Delivery channels include phishing, shared cloud folders, AirDrop, and instant messaging.
The vulnerability mechanism is described in prose only. See the Adobe Illustrator iOS Security Advisory APSB25-111 for vendor-supplied technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61828
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or termination of the Illustrator app on iPad immediately after opening an external file
- Inbound delivery of Illustrator-format files (.ai, .ait, related artwork bundles) from untrusted senders
- Mobile device management (MDM) telemetry showing Illustrator on iPad at version 3.0.9 or earlier
- Anomalous outbound network connections from an iPad shortly after Illustrator file activity
Detection Strategies
- Inventory iPad fleets through MDM and flag any device running Adobe Illustrator at or below version 3.0.9
- Inspect email and collaboration platforms for Illustrator file types arriving from external or unverified sources
- Correlate application crash reports from iPadOS with recent file open events involving Illustrator artifacts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable iPadOS crash reporting and forward logs to a centralized analytics or SIEM platform
- Monitor MDM compliance dashboards for Illustrator version drift across managed devices
- Track shared cloud storage locations for Illustrator files originating from outside the organization
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61828
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Illustrator on iPad to a version later than 3.0.9 as published in APSB25-111
- Instruct users to avoid opening Illustrator files received from untrusted or unverified senders
- Use MDM to enforce automatic updates for managed Adobe applications on iPadOS
- Quarantine inbound Illustrator files at the email or collaboration gateway pending inspection
Patch Information
Adobe addressed CVE-2025-61828 in the security update tracked under advisory APSB25-111. Refer to the Adobe Illustrator iOS Security Advisory for the fixed version and update guidance. Apply the update through the Apple App Store or organizational MDM workflows.
Workarounds
- Restrict the use of Adobe Illustrator on iPad to trusted, internally generated artwork until the update is applied
- Block delivery of Illustrator file extensions from untrusted external senders at the mail gateway
- Educate users to validate the source of any artwork file before opening it in Illustrator on iPad
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
