How the CVE Works:
CVE-2025-21123 is a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Adobe InDesign Desktop versions ID20.0, ID19.5.1, and earlier. This vulnerability occurs due to improper handling of memory allocation when processing maliciously crafted files. When a user opens a specially designed file, the application fails to validate the size of data being written to the heap, leading to a buffer overflow. This overflow can overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within 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 InDesign
Version: ID20.0, ID19.5.1
Vulnerability: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
Severity: Critical
Date: 02/11/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
1. Exploit Code:
POC for CVE-2025-21123 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow)
malicious_file = b"\x41" 5000 Crafted payload
with open("exploit.indd", "wb") as f:
f.write(malicious_file)
2. Exploit Vector:
- Attacker sends a malicious `.indd` file via email or download link.
- Victim opens the file, triggering the buffer overflow.
3. Exploit URL:
- Example: `http://malicious-site.com/exploit.indd`
Protection:
1. Patch:
- Apply Adobe’s security update for InDesign (if available).
- Check Adobe’s advisory page: Adobe Security Bulletin.
2. Mitigation:
- Avoid opening untrusted `.indd` files.
- Use application whitelisting to restrict unauthorized software execution.
3. Detection:
- Monitor for unusual process behavior in InDesign (e.g., unexpected memory usage).
- Use endpoint detection tools to scan for malicious files.
4. Command:
- Windows: `sfc /scannow` to verify system integrity.
- Linux: Use `gdb` to debug InDesign for memory corruption.
5. References:
6. Analytics:
- CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- User Interaction: Required
7. Code for Detection:
Scan for malicious files
find /path/to/files -name ".indd" -exec file {} \; | grep "malicious"
8. Additional Tools:
- Use Wireshark to analyze network traffic for suspicious file downloads.
- Employ IDA Pro for reverse engineering malicious `.indd` files.
9. Remediation Steps:
- Update to the latest version of Adobe InDesign.
- Educate users on phishing and social engineering tactics.
10. Final Note:
- Regularly monitor Adobe’s security advisories for updates.
- Implement a robust backup strategy to mitigate data loss risks.
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-21123
Extra Source Hub:
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Image Source:
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