CVE-2025-47121: Adobe FrameMaker Uninitialized Pointer Access Leads to Potential Code Execution
Adobe FrameMaker is susceptible to a critical vulnerability that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a victim's system. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-47121, stems from accessing an uninitialized pointer and requires user interaction to exploit.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-47121
- Description: Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.8, 2022.6 and earlier are affected by an Access of Uninitialized Pointer 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 High severity rating. The attack vector is Local (AV:L), meaning the attacker needs local access to the system. The attack complexity is Low (AC:L). No privileges are required (PR:N), but user interaction is required (UI:R) - the victim must open a malicious file. The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all High (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning a successful exploit could lead to a complete compromise of the system.
- Exploit Requirements: A user must open a specially crafted, malicious FrameMaker file.
- Affected Vendor: Adobe
- Affected Product: FrameMaker
- Affected Versions: 2020.8, 2022.6 and earlier
- CWE: CWE-824 - Access of Uninitialized Pointer
- CWE Explanation: CWE-824 describes a situation where a program uses a pointer without properly initializing it, leading to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior, including crashes or arbitrary code execution.
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-08: CVE-2025-47121 Published
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
While the vulnerability requires user interaction, the risk is significant. FrameMaker is used for creating and editing large or complex documents, so a malicious actor could target users through spear-phishing campaigns. The ability to execute arbitrary code allows attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or pivot to other systems on the network. Given the nature of FrameMaker documents, successful exploitation could have severe consequences for businesses and individuals relying on the software.
Recommendations
- Apply the Patch: Adobe has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Users should update to the latest versions of FrameMaker as soon as possible.
- Exercise Caution: Be wary of opening FrameMaker files from untrusted sources.
- Enable Security Features: Ensure that security features within FrameMaker are enabled to mitigate potential risks.
Technical Insight
The vulnerability lies in how FrameMaker handles pointers. If a pointer is used before it is properly initialized, it can point to a random memory location. When the program attempts to access or modify data at that location, it can lead to unexpected behavior, including a crash or, in this case, the ability to execute arbitrary code. In essence, by opening a malicious file, an attacker can trigger this uninitialized pointer access, leading to full system compromise.
Credit to Researcher(s)
Details regarding the researcher who reported this vulnerability are not available at this time.
References
Tags
CVE-2025-47121, Adobe FrameMaker, RCE, Uninitialized Pointer, Security Vulnerability, Patch
Summary: Adobe FrameMaker versions prior to the latest updates are vulnerable to an uninitialized pointer access, allowing for potential remote code execution if a user opens a malicious file. Update immediately!
CVE ID: CVE-2025-47121
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. This could lead to the installation of malware, data theft, or further compromise of the system.
Recommendation: Update to the latest version of Adobe FrameMaker. Avoid opening FrameMaker files from untrusted sources.
Timeline
- 2025-07-08: CVE-2025-47121 Published