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CVE-2025-54226: Use After Free Vulnerability in InDesign Desktop Leads to Arbitrary Code Execution

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Overview

The cybersecurity landscape is continuously evolving with new vulnerabilities being identified regularly. One such recently discovered vulnerability is the CVE-2025-54226, affecting specific versions of InDesign Desktop. As a software widely used for publishing design and layout, InDesign Desktop’s vulnerability poses a significant risk to individuals and organizations alike. This vulnerability, if exploited, can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, resulting in potential system compromise or data leakage.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-54226
Severity: High (7.8 CVSS v3)
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Arbitrary code execution potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

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Product | Affected Versions

InDesign Desktop | 20.4
InDesign Desktop | 19.5.4

How the Exploit Works

The CVE-2025-54226 vulnerability leverages a common programming error known as Use After Free. In this scenario, the InDesign Desktop application attempts to reference memory after it has been freed or deleted. This can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including application crashes, data corruption, or, in this case, arbitrary code execution. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must trick a user into opening a malicious file, which then exploits the Use After Free vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the user’s session.

Conceptual Example Code

Given the nature of the vulnerability, it’s not feasible to provide a HTTP request or shell command. However, the conceptual pseudocode below can give an idea of how this vulnerability might be exploited:

1. Create malicious_file.indd containing exploit code
2. Victim opens malicious_file.indd with affected InDesign Desktop version
3. Exploit code triggers Use After Free vulnerability
4. Arbitrary code executes within victim's user context

Please note that this is a simplistic representation and actual exploit development would require deep understanding of memory management and the specific workings of the vulnerable application.

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Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.

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