CVE-2025-61829 Overview
CVE-2025-61829 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Illustrator on iPad versions 3.0.9 and earlier. Successful exploitation enables 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 the fix in security bulletin APSB25-111 on November 11, 2025.
Critical Impact
An attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution on an iPad running a vulnerable Illustrator build by convincing a user to open a malicious document.
Affected Products
- Adobe Illustrator on iPad version 3.0.9
- Adobe Illustrator on iPad versions earlier than 3.0.9
- Patched release: refer to Adobe APSB25-111 for the fixed version
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-11 - Adobe releases security bulletin APSB25-111 with the patch
- 2025-11-11 - CVE-2025-61829 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-61829
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a heap-based buffer overflow in the file parsing routines of Adobe Illustrator on iPad. When the application processes a malformed input file, it writes data beyond the bounds of a heap-allocated buffer. This out-of-bounds write corrupts adjacent heap metadata or object data structures.
Attackers who control the overflow contents can manipulate program flow. Typical exploitation paths involve overwriting function pointers, vtables, or heap chunk headers to redirect execution. The result is arbitrary code execution within the privileges of the Illustrator process.
Exploitation requires user interaction. The victim must open a malicious file delivered through email, shared cloud storage, messaging applications, or other file transfer mechanisms. No network-based remote exploitation is possible without that user action.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of structured file data. Illustrator allocates a heap buffer based on header-supplied length or count fields, then writes parsed content into that buffer without validating that the content size matches the allocation. This pattern aligns with both CWE-122 and CWE-787 classifications.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and file-based. An attacker crafts a malicious Illustrator-compatible file containing overflow-triggering structures. The victim opens the file in Illustrator on iPad. The parser triggers the heap overflow, and the embedded payload executes within the user context. No elevated privileges are required to deliver the file, and no prior authentication to the device is needed by the attacker.
No public proof-of-concept or exploit code is currently available, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61829
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes of the Illustrator app on iPad immediately after opening a received file
- Receipt of Illustrator file types (.ai, .ait, .pdf, .svg) from untrusted sources via email, messaging apps, or cloud share links
- Outbound network connections from the iPad to unfamiliar hosts shortly after opening a design file
- Anomalous mobile device management (MDM) telemetry indicating Illustrator process anomalies
Detection Strategies
- Inspect Illustrator file attachments at email and web gateways using static analysis to flag malformed headers and oversized structure fields
- Monitor MDM and unified endpoint management logs for repeated Illustrator app crashes correlated with newly received files
- Apply file reputation and sandboxing services to Illustrator documents originating outside the organization
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track installed Illustrator on iPad versions across the device fleet and alert on versions at or below 3.0.9
- Correlate mobile crash reports with file-open events to surface possible exploitation attempts
- Review network egress from corporate iPads for connections to unknown command-and-control infrastructure following document handling
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61829
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Illustrator on iPad to the version specified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-111
- Inventory all managed iPads with Illustrator installed and prioritize devices used to process external files
- Instruct users to avoid opening Illustrator files received from untrusted or unverified senders until patched
Patch Information
Adobe addressed CVE-2025-61829 in the security update referenced in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-111. The bulletin lists the fixed version and Apple App Store update instructions. Apply the update through the App Store or enforce it via MDM application management policies.
Workarounds
- Restrict installation of Illustrator on iPad to users with a business need until devices are confirmed patched
- Use MDM policies to block or quarantine Illustrator file types from untrusted sources at the device level
- Route inbound design files through a sandboxed review workflow on a patched workstation before sharing with iPad users
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
