CVE-2025-54219: Heap-based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in InCopy Leads to Arbitrary Code Execution

Overview

InCopy, a popular writing and editing software, has been discovered to have a significant vulnerability in versions 20.4, 19.5.4, and earlier. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-54219, could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. The nature of this exploit demands immediate attention due to the potential system compromise or data leakage. The susceptibility of a widely used platform makes this a serious concern that requires urgent remediation.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-54219
Severity: High (CVSS: 7.8)
Attack Vector: Local File
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Arbitrary code execution leading to potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

InCopy | 20.4, 19.5.4 and earlier versions

How the Exploit Works

This exploit takes advantage of a Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in InCopy. When a specially crafted malicious file is opened by the victim, the vulnerability is triggered, allowing an attacker to overflow the buffer and consequently execute arbitrary code. This code execution occurs in the context of the current user, potentially giving the attacker the same permissions as the victim.

Conceptual Example Code

While the specifics of the exploit are not publicly available, a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might work is as follows:

def exploit(file):
# Open the file
with open(file, 'rb') as f:
# Read the file data
data = f.read()
# Craft a malicious payload that overflows the buffer
payload = b'\x90' * 1024 + b'\xcc' * 4
# Replace a specific portion of the file data with the payload
exploit_data = data.replace(b'\x00'*1024, payload)
# Write the exploit data back to the file
with open(file, 'wb') as f:
f.write(exploit_data)

This is a simplified conceptual example. The actual exploit would likely involve more complex manipulation of the file data to trigger the buffer overflow and execute the desired code.

Mitigation Guidance

Users are strongly advised to apply the vendor patch as soon as it is available. In the meantime, using Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can serve as temporary mitigation. Regularly backing up data and maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene, such as not opening files from unknown sources, can also help protect against potential attacks.