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How the CVE Works
CVE-2025-21162 exploits improper permissions when Photoshop Elements creates temporary files during file processing. An attacker crafts a malicious file that, when opened, triggers the creation of a temporary file in an insecure directory. Due to incorrect permissions, a local attacker can hijack or modify this file to escalate privileges within the current user’s context. User interaction is required—the victim must open the malicious file. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of temporary file paths and permissions during file operations.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: Adobe Photoshop Elements
Version: 2025.0 and earlier
Vulnerability: Temporary File Hijacking
Severity: Critical
Date: 07/25/2025
Prediction: Patch expected by 08/15/2025
What Undercode Say
Analytics:
$ ps aux | grep "PhotoshopElements" $ ls -la /tmp/AdobeTmp_ $ chmod 777 /tmp/AdobeTmp_ Proof-of-concept
Exploit:
1. Craft malicious .PSD file.
2. Lure victim to open it.
3. Race condition to hijack temp file.
4. Execute arbitrary code.
Protection from this CVE:
- Apply Adobe’s upcoming patch.
- Restrict temp directory permissions.
- Disable opening untrusted files.
Impact:
- Local privilege escalation.
- Full user compromise.
- Data exfiltration.
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
