CVE-2018-16039

Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2019.008.20081 and earlier, 2019.008.20080 and earlier, 2019.008.20081 and earlier, 2017.011.30106 and earlier version…

published January 18, 2019

CVSS
—
EPSS
6%
Percentile
93.0
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A classic case of 'use after free' lurking in Adobe Acrobat and Reader! Users with versions up to 2019.008.20081 are at risk — if exploited, it could lead to arbitrary code execution! Think of it like a library that allows patrons to borrow books that have already been returned — if the book's still in the system, someone could sneak in and rewrite parts of it before the next reader gets it. It's a recipe for chaos! If an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could run malicious code on your machine, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data or take control of your system. The results could be absolutely devastating, turning your trusted PDF reader into a gateway for attackers!

Put simply

Think of it like a library that allows patrons to borrow books that have already been returned — if the book's still in the system, someone could sneak in and rewrite parts of it before the next reader gets it. It's a recipe for chaos! This use-after-free vulnerability occurs when memory is accessed after it's been freed, leading to possible arbitrary code execution. This means that malicious code could be executed in the context of the user running the software, opening doors for all sorts of trouble!

What to do

If an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could run malicious code on your machine, potentially allowing them to access sensitive data or take control of your system. The results could be absolutely devastating, turning your trusted PDF reader into a gateway for attackers! To safeguard your system, update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to the latest version immediately, as earlier versions are vulnerable. Regularly check for updates to ensure you’re not running outdated software. Don't forget to practice safe browsing habits! You’ve got this! With these steps, you're on your way to securing your digital world! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.05682 · 93.0th percentile
Published
2019-01-18T17:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 18 JAN 17:00Z
    Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2019.008.20081 and earlier, 2019.008.20080 and earlier, 2019.008.20081 and earlier, 2017.011.30106 and earlier version…
    cvelistv5