CVE-2026-48293: Adobe InDesign RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-48293 Overview

CVE-2026-48293 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions 21.3, 20.5.3, and earlier. The flaw allows attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires local user interaction, where a victim must open a specially crafted malicious file. Adobe disclosed the issue in security bulletin APSB26-58 and released patches addressing the defect.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation yields arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the logged-on user, enabling malware installation, data theft, or further lateral movement from a single malicious document.

Affected Products

Adobe InDesign Desktop 21.3 and earlier
Adobe InDesign Desktop 20.5.3 and earlier
Windows and macOS installations of the affected versions

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-09 - CVE-2026-48293 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2026-06-09 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-48293

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds write [CWE-787]. InDesign processes structured document files containing embedded objects, fonts, images, and layout metadata. When parsing a malformed file, the application writes data past the boundary of an allocated buffer. This memory corruption can overwrite adjacent heap structures, function pointers, or virtual table entries. An attacker who controls the contents written out of bounds can redirect execution flow to attacker-supplied shellcode. The result is arbitrary code execution within the security context of the user running InDesign.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or incorrect bounds checking in InDesign's file parsing logic. The application trusts size or offset fields embedded in the document without validating them against the actual allocated buffer length. Crafted values cause write operations to exceed the destination buffer, corrupting adjacent memory. Adobe's advisory APSB26-58 confirms the defect and the corrective patches.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious .indd or supporting asset file through email, file sharing, or a compromised website. The victim opens the file in a vulnerable InDesign version. Parsing triggers the out-of-bounds write, and the attacker's payload executes with the user's privileges. No network exposure or elevated permissions are required.

No public proof-of-concept exploit is available at the time of publication. See the Adobe InDesign Security Advisory for vendor technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-48293

Indicators of Compromise

InDesign process (InDesign.exe on Windows, Adobe InDesign on macOS) spawning unexpected child processes such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or shell interpreters
Unexpected outbound network connections originating from the InDesign process shortly after a document open event
Creation of executable files or scripts in user-writable directories following an InDesign session
InDesign crash events with access violation or heap corruption signatures in Windows Event Logs or macOS crash reports

Detection Strategies

Hunt for process lineage where InDesign is the parent of command-line interpreters, scripting engines, or LOLBins
Inspect newly opened InDesign documents originating from email attachments or untrusted download paths
Correlate application crash telemetry with subsequent persistence or credential-access activity on the same host

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable endpoint telemetry collection for process creation, file write, and module load events on workstations with Adobe Creative Cloud installed
Forward InDesign crash dumps and Windows Error Reporting events to a centralized SIEM for analysis
Track InDesign version inventory across the fleet to identify hosts still running 21.3 or 20.5.3 and earlier

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-48293

Immediate Actions Required

Update Adobe InDesign Desktop to the fixed versions identified in APSB26-58 on all Windows and macOS endpoints
Restrict opening of InDesign files received from external or untrusted sources until patches are deployed
Inventory all InDesign installations and prioritize patching of hosts used by users who routinely handle external design files

Patch Information

Adobe published security bulletin APSB26-58, which contains the remediated builds of InDesign Desktop. Administrators should deploy the updates through Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop or enterprise software distribution tools. Refer to the Adobe InDesign Security Advisory for exact fixed version numbers and download links.

Workarounds

Block delivery of InDesign-related file types at email and web gateways for users who do not require them
Enforce attack surface reduction policies that prevent Office and creative applications from spawning child processes
Run InDesign under standard user accounts without local administrator privileges to limit the impact of successful exploitation

bash

# Verify installed InDesign version on macOS
/usr/bin/mdls -name kMDItemVersion "/Applications/Adobe InDesign 2026/Adobe InDesign 2026.app"

# Windows: query installed Adobe products via registry
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall" /s /f "InDesign"