CVE-2025-21163 in Illustrator
Summary
by MITRE • 02/11/2025
Illustrator versions 29.1, 28.7.3 and earlier are affected by a Stack-based Buffer Overflow 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2025
This vulnerability affects Adobe Illustrator versions 29.1, 28.7.3, and earlier, representing a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw that could enable remote code execution under specific conditions. The vulnerability resides within the application's handling of malformed input files, specifically when processing certain vector graphics or embedded data structures. Attackers can craft malicious files that trigger the buffer overflow during file parsing operations, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This represents a significant security risk as it leverages a common attack vector through user interaction, requiring victims to open specifically crafted malicious files to initiate exploitation. The stack-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow occurs in the program's stack memory space, which can be manipulated to overwrite critical program execution elements such as return addresses or function pointers. The attack requires user interaction because the exploit must be triggered through legitimate file opening operations, making social engineering components potentially necessary for successful compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The exploitation scenario typically involves crafting a malicious file that contains oversized data structures or malformed headers that cause the application to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203, which covers legitimate user execution paths, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage for execution. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as successful exploitation could allow attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects users who regularly work with vector graphics files and could be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where design files are frequently shared between team members. Organizations should consider the risk of supply chain attacks where malicious files might be introduced through legitimate file sharing channels or third-party design assets. The buffer overflow could potentially be exploited to bypass modern security mitigations such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization, especially if the vulnerability exists in older versions that may not have comprehensive exploit protection mechanisms. Security researchers have noted that similar vulnerabilities in Adobe applications have been exploited in the wild, making this a particularly concerning issue for users who have not yet updated their software installations. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected versions, with users upgrading to the latest stable releases that contain memory safety improvements and input validation fixes. Additionally, organizations should implement file validation procedures and user education to reduce the risk of encountering malicious files through legitimate business processes. System administrators should monitor for signs of exploitation attempts and ensure that all user access to Illustrator applications is restricted to trusted sources. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust security practices for creative software applications that handle complex file formats and user-generated content.