CVE-2025-47122: Adobe FrameMaker Heap Overflow Vulnerability
Adobe FrameMaker is susceptible to a heap-based buffer overflow that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system. This vulnerability requires a user to open a specially crafted file.
Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-47122
- Description: Adobe Framemaker versions 2020.8, 2022.6 and earlier are affected by a Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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:
- AV:L (Attack Vector: Local): The attacker needs local access to the system to exploit this vulnerability.
- AC:L (Attack Complexity: Low): The attack is relatively easy to execute.
- PR:N (Privileges Required: None): No privileges are required to perform the attack.
- UI:R (User Interaction: Required): User interaction is required; the user must open a malicious file.
- S:U (Scope: Unchanged): The vulnerability's impact is limited to the affected component.
- C:H (Confidentiality Impact: High): There is a high impact on confidentiality.
- I:H (Integrity Impact: High): There is a high impact on integrity.
- A:H (Availability Impact: High): There is a high impact on availability.
- Exploit Requirements: User must open a malicious Adobe FrameMaker file.
- Affected Vendor: Adobe
- Affected Product: FrameMaker
- Affected Version: 2020.8, 2022.6 and earlier
- CWE: CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
- CWE Explanation: A heap-based buffer overflow occurs when a program writes beyond the boundaries of a buffer allocated on the heap. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or information disclosure.
Timeline of Events
- 2025-07-08: Vulnerability publicly disclosed.
Exploitability & Real-World Risk
While user interaction is required, the risk is significant. Malicious actors could distribute crafted FrameMaker files via email or other means, tricking users into opening them. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing the attacker to steal sensitive data, install malware, or pivot to other systems on the network. Considering FrameMaker's use in professional document creation, this vulnerability poses a substantial threat to businesses and individuals.
Recommendations
- Apply the Patch: Update Adobe FrameMaker to the latest version as soon as a patch is available from Adobe.
- Exercise Caution: Be extremely cautious when opening FrameMaker files from untrusted sources.
- Enable Security Features: Ensure that any available security features within FrameMaker are enabled to prevent execution of potentially malicious code.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Implement EDR solutions to detect and prevent suspicious activities on endpoints.
Technical Insight
A heap-based buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data into a memory buffer located on the heap than it is designed to hold. This overwrites adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting data or injecting malicious code that can then be executed. In this case, a specially crafted FrameMaker file triggers the overflow during the parsing process.
Credit to Researcher(s)
Adobe credited the reporting researcher(s) in their advisory, however, the specific name was not included in the provided data.
References
Tags
CVE-2025-47122, Adobe FrameMaker, Heap Overflow, RCE, Arbitrary Code Execution, Security Vulnerability
Summary: Adobe FrameMaker versions prior to 2022.7 are vulnerable to a heap-based buffer overflow. By opening a malicious file, an attacker could achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Update FrameMaker to the latest version and exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources.
CVE ID: CVE-2025-47122
Risk Analysis: Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining control of the affected system and accessing sensitive data.
Recommendation: Apply the available patch from Adobe as soon as possible and exercise caution when opening FrameMaker files from untrusted sources.
Timeline
- 2025-07-08: Vulnerability publicly disclosed.