CVE-2025-61832 Overview
CVE-2025-61832 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 20.5, 19.5.5 and earlier. The flaw allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user when a victim opens a maliciously crafted file. The vulnerability maps to [CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow] and [CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write], indicating memory corruption during file parsing. Adobe addressed the issue in security bulletin APSB25-106. Exploitation requires user interaction, limiting mass exploitation but making the bug suitable for targeted phishing and social engineering campaigns against design and publishing teams.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user, enabling malware installation, data theft, and lateral movement from creative workstations.
Affected Products
- Adobe InDesign Desktop 20.5 and earlier
- Adobe InDesign Desktop 19.5.5 and earlier
- Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS installations of InDesign
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-11 - CVE-2025-61832 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-61832
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking when InDesign parses document structures during file open operations. A crafted InDesign file triggers a heap-based buffer overflow, allowing an attacker to write beyond an allocated heap buffer. The condition combines [CWE-122] heap corruption with [CWE-787] out-of-bounds write semantics. Attackers can shape adjacent heap metadata or object pointers to redirect execution flow. Code runs with the privileges of the user who opened the file. On workstations where designers operate with administrative rights, this can escalate to full system compromise. The EPSS score of 0.27% reflects limited observed exploitation activity, but the bug class is historically attractive for document-based targeted attacks.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient validation of size or length fields within the InDesign file format. When InDesign allocates a heap buffer based on attacker-influenced metadata and then copies content using a different size, the resulting write overruns the allocation. Adobe has not published the specific parser component affected.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local file access and user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious .indd or related InDesign file through email, shared storage, or compromised project repositories. The victim must open the file in a vulnerable InDesign version. No network position or prior authentication on the target system is required.
No public proof-of-concept is available. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-106 for vendor technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61832
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by InDesign.exe such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or rundll32.exe
- Crashes or abnormal termination of InDesign correlated with opening files from email or external sources
- InDesign processes performing outbound network connections to non-Adobe infrastructure
- Suspicious .indd, .idml, or related design files arriving from untrusted senders
Detection Strategies
- Monitor process lineage where InDesign is the parent of script interpreters or living-off-the-land binaries
- Alert on file writes to startup, scheduled task, or autorun locations performed by InDesign
- Inspect email and file-sharing gateways for InDesign file types originating from external domains
Monitoring Recommendations
- Collect endpoint telemetry covering process creation, image loads, and file modifications on workstations running InDesign
- Correlate InDesign crash events in the Windows Application log or macOS unified log with subsequent process activity
- Track InDesign version inventory through software asset management to identify unpatched hosts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61832
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe InDesign Desktop to the fixed versions identified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-106
- Restrict opening of InDesign files received from untrusted sources until patching completes
- Remove local administrator rights from creative users where feasible to limit post-exploitation impact
Patch Information
Adobe released fixed builds for InDesign Desktop in bulletin APSB25-106, superseding versions 20.5 and 19.5.5 and earlier. Apply the vendor update through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application or enterprise deployment tooling. Validate the installed version on each host after deployment.
Workarounds
- Block inbound InDesign file types at email gateways for external senders pending patch deployment
- Open untrusted InDesign files only in isolated virtual machines or sandboxed environments
- Apply application allow-listing to prevent InDesign from launching script interpreters or unsigned binaries
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
