How the CVE Works:
CVE-2025-21163 is a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Adobe Illustrator versions 29.1, 28.7.3, and earlier. This vulnerability occurs due to improper handling of memory buffers when processing maliciously crafted files. When a user opens a specially designed file, the application fails to validate the input size, leading to a buffer overflow. This overflow can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, as the victim must open the malicious file. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data theft, or further malware deployment.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: Adobe Illustrator
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Version: 29.1, 28.7.3, and earlier
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Vulnerability: Stack-based Buffer Overflow
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Severity: Critical
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Date: 02/11/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
1. Exploit Code:
Example PoC for CVE-2025-21163 (Educational Purposes Only)
malicious_file = b"A" 5000 Crafted payload to trigger overflow
with open("exploit.ai", "wb") as f:
f.write(malicious_file)
2. Exploit Vector:
- Attacker crafts a malicious `.ai` file.
- Victim opens the file in Adobe Illustrator.
- Buffer overflow triggers, executing arbitrary code.
Protection:
1. Mitigation:
- Update Adobe Illustrator to the latest version.
- Avoid opening untrusted files.
- Enable application sandboxing if supported.
2. Detection:
- Use IDS/IPS rules to detect malicious file patterns.
- Monitor for abnormal Illustrator process behavior.
3. Patch:
- Apply Adobe’s security update for CVE-2025-21163.
Analytics:
- CVSS 4.0 Score: 9.8 (Critical)
- Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Affected Users: Graphic designers, creative professionals.
References:
Commands:
- Check Illustrator Version:
illustrator --version
- Sandboxing (macOS):
sudo spctl --add /Applications/Adobe\ Illustrator.app
Tools:
- Debugging: Use GDB or WinDbg to analyze crashes.
- Fuzzing: AFL or LibFuzzer to identify similar vulnerabilities.
By following these steps, users can mitigate the risk of exploitation and protect their systems from this critical vulnerability.
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-21163
Extra Source Hub:
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Image Source:
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