CVE-2025-61836 Overview
CVE-2025-61836 is an integer underflow vulnerability [CWE-191] affecting Adobe Illustrator on iPad versions 3.0.9 and earlier. An attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user by crafting a malicious file. Successful exploitation requires user interaction, specifically that the victim opens the malicious file in the affected application. Adobe published the fix in security advisory APSB25-111 on November 11, 2025.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution within the application sandbox, potentially compromising design assets and user data on the affected iPad device.
Affected Products
- Adobe Illustrator on iPad version 3.0.9
- All Adobe Illustrator on iPad versions prior to 3.0.9
- iPadOS installations running the vulnerable Illustrator application
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-11 - CVE-2025-61836 published to NVD
- 2025-11-11 - Adobe releases security advisory APSB25-111
- 2025-11-12 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-61836
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified as an integer underflow, also known as wrap or wraparound [CWE-191]. Integer underflows occur when an arithmetic operation produces a value smaller than the minimum representable value for the integer type. The result wraps to a large positive value when interpreted as unsigned, or to an unexpected negative value in signed arithmetic.
In the context of Adobe Illustrator on iPad, the underflow occurs during parsing of attacker-controlled file content. The miscalculated value is subsequently used in memory operations such as buffer sizing or pointer arithmetic. This corruption of program state enables arbitrary code execution within the process context of the current user.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incorrect validation of an integer value used in arithmetic operations on file-derived data. When a specially crafted Illustrator file is parsed, the application performs a subtraction or decrement that underflows the operand. Adobe has not published a detailed root-cause technical writeup; refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-111 for vendor-supplied details.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious Illustrator file through phishing email, file-sharing platforms, cloud storage, or messaging applications. The victim must open the file in the vulnerable version of Adobe Illustrator on iPad to trigger the underflow. The exploit then runs code in the security context of the current iPad user, constrained by the iOS application sandbox.
No public proof-of-concept code is available for CVE-2025-61836, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61836
Indicators of Compromise
- Receipt of unsolicited Adobe Illustrator files (.ai, .ait, .pdf) from external or untrusted senders targeting iPad users
- Unexpected crashes or termination of the Adobe Illustrator on iPad application during file open operations
- Anomalous network connections originating from the Illustrator process following file open events
Detection Strategies
- Inventory all iPad devices running Adobe Illustrator and identify installations at version 3.0.9 or earlier through Mobile Device Management (MDM) reporting
- Inspect email gateways and cloud collaboration platforms for inbound Illustrator file attachments from untrusted sources
- Correlate application crash telemetry from iPadOS with concurrent file-open activity to surface potential exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable application version reporting through MDM to continuously verify Adobe Illustrator on iPad is updated past version 3.0.9
- Monitor user-reported anomalies such as application crashes or unexpected behavior after opening shared design files
- Track outbound network traffic from managed iPads for connections to unfamiliar domains following Illustrator usage
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61836
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Illustrator on iPad to a version newer than 3.0.9 through the Apple App Store as referenced in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-111
- Instruct users to avoid opening Illustrator files received from untrusted or unverified senders until patching is complete
- Audit MDM-managed iPad fleets to confirm compliant application versions across all users
Patch Information
Adobe published the fix in security bulletin APSB25-111. Users should install the latest Adobe Illustrator on iPad release from the Apple App Store. Enterprise environments managing iPads through MDM solutions should push the updated application version to all affected devices.
Workarounds
- Restrict the opening of Illustrator files to those originating from verified internal sources and trusted collaborators
- Use MDM policies to temporarily restrict installation or execution of Adobe Illustrator on iPad until the application is updated
- Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited design files and reinforce reporting procedures for suspicious attachments
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
