CVE-2025-49530 in Illustrator
Summary
by MITRE • 07/09/2025
Illustrator versions 28.7.6, 29.5.1 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write 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 • 07/10/2025
This vulnerability resides in Adobe Illustrator software versions 28.7.6, 29.5.1 and earlier, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that fundamentally compromises system security. The technical nature of this vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution when a malicious file is opened by an unsuspecting user, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and creative environments where file sharing is common. The out-of-bounds write condition occurs when the application fails to properly validate input data during file parsing operations, specifically when processing certain vector graphics elements or embedded metadata within Illustrator files. This flaw directly maps to CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations and enabling attackers to overwrite critical program structures or execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages user interaction as a prerequisite for exploitation. Attackers must craft malicious Illustrator files that, when opened by victims, trigger the buffer overflow condition during the file rendering process. This requirement for user interaction makes the vulnerability somewhat less automated than fully remote exploits but still highly effective in targeted phishing campaigns or supply chain attacks where attackers can convince users to open crafted files. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in creative workflows where users frequently open files from external sources, making it particularly dangerous in industries such as advertising, publishing, and design where Illustrator is extensively used. The privilege escalation aspect is limited to the context of the current user, meaning that successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute malicious code with the same permissions as the compromised user account, potentially leading to further lateral movement within the network.
Security professionals should immediately prioritize patch management for affected Illustrator versions, as the vulnerability provides a direct path to code execution without requiring administrative privileges or complex attack chains. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive user education about opening files from untrusted sources and implementing strict file validation policies within organizations. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and application whitelisting to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for spearphishing, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through crafted file delivery methods. The vulnerability's presence in multiple product versions suggests a widespread impact across different Illustrator release cycles, requiring coordinated patch deployment efforts across organizations. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to unusual file processing activities or unexpected code execution patterns that might signal exploitation attempts.