Adobe Reader and Acrobat Vulnerabilities

Original release date: April 13, 2010
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected

• Adobe Reader 9.3.1 and earlier 9.x versions
• Adobe Reader 8.2.1 and earlier versions
• Adobe Acrobat 9.3.1 and earlier 9.x versions
• Adobe Acrobat 8.2.1 and earlier versions

Overview

Adobe has released Security Bulletin APSB10-09, which describes multiple vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat.

Solution

Update

Adobe has released updates to address this issue. You are encouraged to read Adobe Security Bulletin APSB10-09 and update vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat. Recent versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat include an automatic update feature.

Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader and Acrobat

Disabling JavaScript may prevent some exploits. Acrobat JavaScript can be disabled using the Preferences menu (Edit -> Preferences -> JavaScript; uncheck Enable Acrobat JavaScript).

Prevent Internet Explorer from automatically opening PDF documents

The installer for Adobe Reader and Acrobat configures Internet Explorer to automatically open PDF files without your interaction. However, you can set up a safer option that prompts you by importing the following as a .REG file:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AcroExch.Document.7]
"EditFlags"=hex:00,00,00,00

Disable the display of PDF documents in your web browser

Preventing PDF documents from opening inside your web browser will partially mitigate this vulnerability. By applying this workaround, you may also lessen the possibility of future vulnerabilities.

To prevent PDF documents from automatically being opened in a web browser, do the following:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Open the Edit menu.
3. Choose the Preferences option.
4. Choose the Internet section.
5. Uncheck the "Display PDF in browser" checkbox.

Do not access PDF documents from untrusted sources

Do not open unfamiliar or unexpected PDF documents, particularly those hosted on websites or delivered as email attachments. Please see Cyber Security Tip ST04-010.

Description

Adobe Security Advisory APSB10-09 describes a number of vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by convincing a user to open a specially crafted PDF file.

These vulnerabilities could allow a remote attacker to take control of your computer or cause it to crash.

References

• Security update available for Adobe Reader and Acrobat - <http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb10-09.html>
• Upcoming Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.3.2 and 8.2.2 to be Delivered by New Updater - <http://blogs.adobe.com/adobereader/2010/04/upcoming_adobe_reader_and_acro.html>

---

Feedback can be directed to US-CERT.

---

Produced 2010 by US-CERT, a government organization. Terms of use

Revision History

April 13, 2010: Initial release