CVE-2025-14416
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in pdfforge PDF Architect allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious DOC files. The software fails to warn users about dangerous script execution in DOC files, enabling code execution with the victim's privileges. All users running vulnerable versions of PDF Architect are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- pdfforge PDF Architect
📦 What is this software?
Pdf Architect by Pdfforge
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control over the victim's computer, data theft, ransomware deployment, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malware installation leading to data exfiltration, credential theft, or system disruption for individual users who open malicious DOC files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application whitelisting, network segmentation, and user training preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious file), but the technical complexity is low once the malicious file is executed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in available references, but vendor likely released fixed version
Vendor Advisory: https://www.pdfforge.org/security/ (check for specific advisory)
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open PDF Architect
2. Navigate to Help > Check for Updates
3. Install available updates
4. Restart the application
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable DOC file association
windowsRemove PDF Architect as default handler for DOC files to prevent automatic opening
Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Default Programs > Select PDF Architect > Choose defaults for this program > Uncheck .doc and .docx
Block DOC files at perimeter
allPrevent DOC files from reaching users via email or web downloads
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block unauthorized executables
- Use Microsoft Office or LibreOffice for DOC files instead of PDF Architect
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check PDF Architect version against vendor's patched version listCheck Version:
In PDF Architect: Help > AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify application version matches or exceeds patched version from vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- PDF Architect process spawning unexpected child processes
- Unusual network connections from PDF Architect process
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to suspicious IPs following DOC file opening
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where ParentImage contains "PDFArchitect.exe" and CommandLine contains suspicious patterns