CVE-2026-75665: Bridge Heap Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2026-75665 Overview

CVE-2026-75665 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability [CWE-122] affecting Adobe Bridge. Attackers can exploit the flaw to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction: the victim must open a malicious file crafted by the attacker.

The vulnerability is tracked under Adobe Security Advisory APSB26-148 and was published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) on September 22, 2026. The local attack vector and requirement for user interaction limit remote mass exploitation, but targeted phishing campaigns delivering weaponized Bridge files remain a viable delivery method.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running Adobe Bridge, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected workstation.

Affected Products

Adobe Bridge (specific versions listed in Adobe Security Advisory APSB26-148)

Discovery Timeline

2026-09-22 - CVE-2026-75665 published to NVD
2026-09-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-75665

Vulnerability Analysis

Adobe Bridge contains a heap-based buffer overflow when parsing specially crafted files. The application writes data beyond the boundaries of a heap-allocated buffer, corrupting adjacent memory structures. An attacker who controls the overflowing data can overwrite function pointers, virtual table pointers, or heap metadata to hijack program execution.

Because Adobe Bridge is a digital asset management application that routinely opens image, metadata, and document files from untrusted sources, the attack surface is broad. Any file format handler containing the flawed parsing logic can serve as an entry point.

Root Cause

The root cause is classified under [CWE-122] Heap-based Buffer Overflow. The affected parsing routine fails to correctly validate the size of attacker-controlled input against the size of the destination heap buffer. When the input exceeds the allocated region, subsequent write operations corrupt adjacent heap chunks.

Exploitation typically leverages this corruption to overwrite function pointers or object metadata, redirecting execution to attacker-controlled code. Modern exploitation chains combine the overflow with information leaks to bypass Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR).

Attack Vector

The attack requires local user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious file to the victim through phishing email, drive-by download, shared network storage, or removable media. When the user opens the file in Adobe Bridge, the vulnerable parser processes the crafted content and triggers the overflow.

Execution occurs in the security context of the logged-in user. If the user holds administrative privileges, the attacker gains full system control. Standard user contexts still allow data theft, credential harvesting, and persistence establishment.

No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB26-148 for vendor-provided technical guidance.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-75665

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected child processes spawned by Bridge.exe, particularly command shells, PowerShell, or scripting hosts
Adobe Bridge crashes or unexpected termination events immediately after opening a file, recorded in Windows Application Event Log
Outbound network connections initiated by Bridge.exe to unfamiliar external hosts
Newly created executables, scripts, or scheduled tasks in user-writable directories following Bridge file opens

Detection Strategies

Monitor process creation telemetry for Bridge.exe parent-child relationships that deviate from normal Adobe Creative Cloud behavior
Deploy behavioral endpoint detection rules that flag heap corruption patterns and shellcode execution within Adobe process memory space
Correlate email gateway logs with endpoint telemetry to identify inbound files targeting Adobe Bridge users

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard or equivalent exploit mitigation logging for Bridge.exe
Ingest Adobe application crash telemetry into a centralized SIEM for correlation with file open events
Track file downloads and email attachments containing Bridge-supported formats from external senders

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-75665

Immediate Actions Required

Apply the patched Adobe Bridge version identified in Adobe Security Advisory APSB26-148 to all affected endpoints
Inventory all systems with Adobe Bridge installed and prioritize patching for users who routinely handle files from external sources
Reinforce user awareness training on the risks of opening unsolicited files, even from seemingly trusted senders

Patch Information

Adobe has published fixed versions of Bridge in Security Bulletin APSB26-148. Administrators should update through Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop or by deploying the standalone installer to managed endpoints. Refer to the Adobe Security Advisory APSB26-148 for exact version numbers and download links.

Workarounds

Restrict Adobe Bridge to open files only from trusted, controlled network locations until patching completes
Enforce least-privilege user accounts so exploitation cannot escalate directly to SYSTEM
Configure attack surface reduction rules to block Office and script interpreter child processes from Adobe applications

bash

# Example: Query installed Adobe Bridge versions across Windows endpoints
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -like "*Adobe Bridge*" } | Select-Object Name, Version, InstallDate