Adobe Reader and Acrobat Critical Update Released

Adobe has security updates for Adobe Reader and Acrobat XI for Windows and Macintosh. These updates address critical vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.

Release date: July 12, 2016

Vulnerability identifier: APSB16-26

CVE Numbers: CVE-2016-4189, CVE-2016-4190, CVE-2016-4191, CVE-2016-4192, CVE-2016-4193, CVE-2016-4194, CVE-2016-4195, CVE-2016-4196, CVE-2016-4197, CVE-2016-4198, CVE-2016-4199, CVE-2016-4200, CVE-2016-4201, CVE-2016-4202, CVE-2016-4203, CVE-2016-4204, CVE-2016-4205, CVE-2016-4206, CVE-2016-4207, CVE-2016-4208, CVE-2016-4209, CVE-2016-4210, CVE-2016-4211, CVE-2016-4212, CVE-2016-4213, CVE-2016-4214, CVE-2016-4215, CVE-2016-4250, CVE-2016-4251, CVE-2016-4252

Platform: Windows and Macintosh

Update or Complete Download

Update checks can be manually activated by choosing Help > Check for Updates.

• Adobe Reader XI (11.0.17, Pro and Standard) for Windows is available here: https://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=6062. 
• Reader DC and other versions are available here:  https://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=10&platform=Windows 
• Acrobat for Windows update is available here:  http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=1&platform=Windows  

Note: UNcheck any pre-checked additional options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.

End of Support:  Adobe Acrobat X and Adobe Reader 

Adobe Acrobat X and Adobe Reader X are no longer supported (see here). Adobe recommends Adobe Acrobat DC (FAQ) and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (FAQ).  However, another alternate is available to replace Adobe Reader 

If you are still using Windows XP and have Adobe Reader installed, please note that there will be no additional security updates for it.  I suggest uninstalling it and install an alternate reader.  Personally, I like Sumatra PDF.  It isn't a target and doesn't include unwanted extras with the install or updates.  

Enable "Protected View"

Due to frequent vulnerabilities, it is recommended that Windows users of Adobe Reader and Acrobat ensure that Protected View is enabled.  Neither the Protected Mode or Protected View option is available for Macintosh users.

To enable this setting, do the following:

• Click Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced) menu. 
• Change the "Off" setting to "All Files".
• Ensure the "Enable Enhanced Security" box is checked. 

Image via Sophos Naked Security Blog

References

• PSIRT
• Release Notes | Acrobat, Reader
• Security Bulletin
• System Requirements

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