CVE-2025-49532
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an integer underflow vulnerability in Adobe Illustrator that could allow arbitrary code execution when a user opens a malicious file. It affects Illustrator versions 28.7.6, 29.5.1, and earlier, putting users at risk if they interact with untrusted files.
💻 Affected Systems
- Adobe Illustrator
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise via arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local code execution on the victim's machine after opening a malicious file, enabling attackers to steal sensitive data or install malware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if users avoid opening untrusted files, with potential containment through application sandboxing or restricted user privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a file), making it less trivial but feasible with social engineering.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update to Illustrator version 28.7.7 or 29.5.2 as specified in the vendor advisory.
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/illustrator/apsb25-65.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Illustrator. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Follow prompts to install the latest version. 4. Restart the application after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict File Opening
allPrevent users from opening untrusted Illustrator files to reduce attack surface.
Use Application Sandboxing
allRun Illustrator in a sandboxed environment to limit potential damage from exploitation.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user training to avoid opening files from unknown sources.
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for suspicious Illustrator processes.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Illustrator version via Help > About Illustrator; if version is 28.7.6, 29.5.1, or earlier, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: Check via Illustrator UI or registry. On macOS: Use 'defaults read /Applications/Adobe\ Illustrator\ 2024/Adobe\ Illustrator.app/Contents/Info.plist CFBundleShortVersionString' (adjust path for version).Verify Fix Applied:
After updating, confirm version is 28.7.7 or 29.5.2 or later in Help > About Illustrator.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Illustrator process crashes or high memory usage logs
- File access logs showing opening of suspicious Illustrator files
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Illustrator to unknown IPs post-file opening
SIEM Query:
Example: 'process_name:"Illustrator.exe" AND event_type:"crash"' for potential exploitation attempts.