CVE-2025-61839 Overview
CVE-2025-61839 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability [CWE-125] affecting Adobe Format Plugins versions 1.1.1 and earlier. The flaw occurs when the software parses a maliciously crafted file, causing a read past the end of an allocated memory structure. An attacker can leverage this issue to execute code in the context of the current user.
Exploitation requires user interaction, since a victim must open a malicious file. Adobe published the issue in security advisory APSB25-114.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation leads to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the affected workstation.
Affected Products
- Adobe Format Plugins versions 1.1.1 and earlier
- All supported platforms running the vulnerable Format Plugins component
- Applications that load Format Plugins for file parsing
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-11 - CVE-2025-61839 published to NVD
- 2025-11-13 - Last updated in NVD database
- Adobe Security Advisory: APSB25-114
Technical Details for CVE-2025-61839
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] in the file parsing logic of Adobe Format Plugins. When the parser processes a crafted file, it reads memory beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. Attackers can shape the malformed file so that adjacent memory is interpreted as parser state, enabling control of program flow.
Because the parser executes inside the host application's process, code execution inherits the privileges of the current user. The attack vector is local and requires the victim to open the malicious file. No elevated privileges are needed by the attacker prior to delivery.
The issue impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected workstation. Adobe has not published EPSS-driven exploitation activity at this time, and no public proof-of-concept has been observed.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or incorrect bounds checking during deserialization of a structured file format. The parser trusts size or offset fields embedded in the input and reads memory using those values without validating them against the allocation. A crafted size or index field redirects the read past the end of the buffer.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local file delivery combined with user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted file via phishing email, shared storage, instant message, or a drive-by download. When the victim opens the file in an application that loads Format Plugins, the vulnerable parser is invoked.
The out-of-bounds read can be paired with information disclosure or memory corruption techniques to bypass exploit mitigations and pivot to arbitrary code execution. The resulting payload runs with the user's permissions on the endpoint.
See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-114 for vendor-confirmed technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61839
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned from applications that load Adobe Format Plugins, such as shells, scripting engines, or rundll32.exe.
- Crash events or access violation logs originating from the Format Plugins module during file open operations.
- Inbound delivery of unsolicited files matching formats handled by Format Plugins from external email or messaging sources.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for process lineage where the parent is the host application loading Format Plugins and the child is cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or other living-off-the-land binaries.
- Monitor for module load events of Format Plugins followed by suspicious memory allocations or WriteProcessMemory calls indicating exploit staging.
- Correlate endpoint crash telemetry with recent file open events to identify failed exploitation attempts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable behavioral endpoint detection that flags anomalous child processes from document and media handling applications.
- Forward Windows Error Reporting and application crash logs to a centralized data lake for hunting against Format Plugins module faults.
- Track file ingress from email gateways and web proxies for file types handled by Format Plugins and alert on execution shortly after delivery.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61839
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all systems running Adobe Format Plugins version 1.1.1 or earlier and prioritize patching.
- Apply the update referenced in Adobe Security Advisory APSB25-114 as soon as it is available in your change window.
- Restrict opening of untrusted files from email, messaging platforms, and removable media until patches are deployed.
Patch Information
Adobe addresses CVE-2025-61839 in the update referenced by APSB25-114. Administrators should install the vendor-supplied version that supersedes 1.1.1 on all affected endpoints and verify the patched binary version after deployment.
Workarounds
- Block delivery of file formats handled by Format Plugins at the email gateway and web proxy until patching completes.
- Enforce application allowlisting to prevent unsigned or unexpected processes from spawning from host applications that load Format Plugins.
- Apply least privilege so user accounts that open external files cannot install software or modify system configuration.
- Use attack surface reduction rules to block child process creation from document and media applications.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
