CVE-2025-47097: Adobe InCopy Integer Underflow Vulnerability
This blog post details an integer underflow vulnerability, CVE-2025-47097, affecting Adobe InCopy. A successful exploit could lead to arbitrary code execution. Read on to understand the vulnerability, its potential impact, and how to mitigate the risk.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-47097
- Description: Adobe InCopy versions 20.3, 19.5.3 and earlier are affected by an Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
- CVSS Score: 7.8 HIGH
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- CVSS Explanation: This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8, categorized as HIGH severity. The attack vector is LOCAL (AV:L), meaning an attacker needs local access to the system. Attack complexity is LOW (AC:L). No privileges are required (PR:N), but User Interaction is REQUIRED (UI:R), meaning the user must open a malicious file. The impact is HIGH for Confidentiality (C:H), Integrity (I:H), and Availability (A:H), signifying a significant risk to the system.
- Exploit Requirements: The victim must open a specially crafted, malicious file.
- Affected Product: Adobe InCopy versions 20.3, 19.5.3 and earlier.
- CWE: CWE-191 - Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound)
- CWE Explanation: CWE-191 describes a situation where an arithmetic operation results in a value smaller than the minimum value that the data type can hold. This can lead to unexpected behavior, including memory corruption and potentially arbitrary code execution. In this case, the integer underflow occurs when InCopy is processing the malicious file.
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-08: CVE-2025-47097 assigned and vulnerability details published.
- 2025-07-08: Adobe publishes security advisory.
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file) lowers the immediate risk. However, attackers can use social engineering techniques to trick users into opening these files. Given that InCopy is used in professional publishing workflows, a successful exploit could compromise sensitive data and disrupt critical operations. The ability to execute arbitrary code makes this vulnerability a serious threat, as an attacker could potentially install malware, steal data, or gain complete control of the affected system. The risk is heightened for users who frequently handle files from untrusted sources.
Recommendations
- Apply the Patch: Adobe has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Users are strongly advised to update to the latest version of InCopy as soon as possible.
- Exercise Caution: Be extremely cautious when opening files from untrusted sources. Verify the sender and the file's authenticity before opening it.
- Enable Security Software: Ensure your antivirus and anti-malware software are up-to-date and actively scanning files.
- User Training: Educate users about the risks of opening suspicious files and the potential consequences of clicking on malicious links or attachments.
Technical Insight
An integer underflow occurs when a mathematical operation results in a value that is smaller than the smallest representable value for a given data type. In this case, when InCopy processes the malicious file, a specific calculation involving integer values results in a wrapped-around value. This can lead to writing data to an incorrect memory location, potentially overwriting critical system data or injecting malicious code.
Credit to Researcher(s)
Credit to the researcher(s) who reported this vulnerability to Adobe.
References
Tags
Adobe InCopy, Integer Underflow, Code Execution, Security, CVE-2025-47097, Vulnerability
Summary: CVE-2025-47097 is a high-severity integer underflow vulnerability in Adobe InCopy versions 20.3, 19.5.3, and earlier. Exploitation requires a user to open a malicious file and could lead to arbitrary code execution. Update to the latest version of InCopy and exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-47097
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system with the privileges of the current user. This could lead to data theft, malware installation, or complete system compromise.
Recommendation: Apply the latest security update for Adobe InCopy and exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources.
Timeline
- 2025-07-08: CVE-2025-47097 assigned and published.