Full Report
CISA has warned that attackers are actively exploiting a maximum-severity vulnerability in Adobe Experience Manager to execute code on unpatched systems. [...]
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: Critical Authentication Bypass Leading to RCE in Adobe Experience Manager Forms
## CVE Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-54253
- CVSS Score: Unknown (Described as "maximum-severity")
- CWE: Misconfiguration Weakness (leading to Authentication Bypass/RCE)
## Affected Systems
- Products: Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Forms on JEE
- Versions: 6.5.23 and earlier
- Configurations: Affects AEM Forms when deployed as a standalone application.
## Vulnerability Description
CVE-2025-54253 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability stemming from a misconfiguration weakness. Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated threat actors to bypass security mechanisms and remotely execute arbitrary code (RCE) via an issue related to Struts DevMode. The attack requires low complexity and no user interaction.
## Exploitation
- Status: Actively exploited in the wild. PoC code was publicly available prior to patching.
- Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Network (Remote Code Execution)
## Impact
- Confidentiality: High (Implied by RCE)
- Integrity: High (Implied by RCE)
- Availability: High (Implied by RCE)
## Remediation
### Patches
- Adobe released security updates on August 9th to address this vulnerability. Specific patched versions were not detailed in the source material, but updates are available to resolve CVE-2025-54253.
### Workarounds
- Restrict Internet access to AEM Forms deployments immediately if patching cannot be performed right away.
- Discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable (per CISA guidance).
## Detection
- **Indicators of Compromise (IoCs):** Not explicitly detailed in the source, but monitoring for unusual activity related to Struts DevMode exploitation attempts or remote command execution traces on AEM Forms servers is advised.
- **Detection Methods and Tools:** Implement vendor-advised security mechanisms. CISA mandates patching for relevant organizations (FCEB agencies).
## References
- Vendor Advisory (Adobe APSB): hxxps://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/aem-forms/apsb25-82.html
- Research Write-up (Searchlight Cyber): hxxps://slcyber.io/assetnote-security-research-center/struts-devmode-in-2025-critical-pre-auth-vulnerabilities-in-adobe-experience-manager-forms/
- CISA KEV Catalog Entry: hxxps://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2025/10/15/cisa-adds-one-known-exploited-vulnerability-catalog