CVE Alert: CVE-2025-61814 – Adobe – InDesign Desktop
CVE-2025-61814
InDesign Desktop versions 20.5, 19.5.5 and earlier are affected by a Use After Free vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
AI Summary Analysis
Risk verdict
High risk of arbitrary code execution in the logged-in user’s context if a crafted InDesign file is opened; exploitation requires user interaction and is local.
Why this matters
Compromise could lead to full device compromise and data exposure within the current user session. Creative workflows often involve opening externally sourced design assets, increasing the chance of encountering malicious files. A successful exploit could enable data theft, iframe or persistence within the user’s profile, and potential privilege abuse if the user has elevated rights.
Most likely attack path
Attacker delivers a crafted InDesign file via email or shared storage; the user opens it, triggering a Use After Free condition and code execution in the attacker’s context. No privileges beyond the current user are required, but successful payload execution could enable persistent control within that session and potential lateral moves limited by the user’s permissions.
Who is most exposed
Organizations with broad InDesign deployments across creative teams on Windows and macOS, especially when files are exchanged via email or shared drives and where devices are not uniformly patched.
Detection ideas
- InDesign crashes or abnormal memory/heap dumps after opening a file.
- Unusual process termination or suspicious memory access patterns in the InDesign process.
- Post-opening anomalous system activity or unexpected code execution signs tied to InDesign.
- Alerts tied to malformed design assets delivered via email/shares.
- Sandboxed/application-whitelisting events triggered by InDesign.
Mitigation and prioritisation
- Apply the supplier patch for all affected versions at the next maintenance window; verify in staging before broad rollout.
- Enforce strict email/file let-through controls; restrict opening files from untrusted sources.
- Enable enhanced EDR monitoring for InDesign process memory anomalies and crash dumps.
- Implement application whitelisting and reduce user privileges where feasible.
- Educate users to avoid opening unsolicited design files and to report suspicious attachments.
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