CVE-2010-1240
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitAdobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.3.3, and 8.x before 8.2.3 on Windows and Mac OS X, do not restrict the contents of one text field in the Launch File warning dialog, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trick users into executing an arbitrary local program that was…
Published Apr 5, 2010 · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2010-1240 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Acrobat Reader (Adobe), acroread (redhat).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 16, 2016. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 74% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including acroread 0:9.3.3-1.el5, acroread 0:9.3.3-2.el4.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v2
9.3
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
74%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.3.3, and 8.x before 8.2.3 on Windows and Mac OS X, do not restrict the contents of one text field in the Launch File warning dialog, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trick users into executing an arbitrary local program that was specified in a PDF document, as demonstrated by a text field that claims that the Open button will enable the user to read an encrypted message.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | May 16, 2016 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobat ReaderAdobe | 9.3.1 | n/a |
| acroreadredhat | See advisory | 0:9.3.3-2.el4 |
Patched Releases
acroread
0:9.3.3-1.el5, 0:9.3.3-2.el4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 5, 2010
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 16, 2016
Last updated
Apr 28, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-264
References
- advisoryRHSA-2010:0503
- exploithttp://blog.didierstevens.com/2010/03/29/escape-from-pdf/
- exploitMSF adobe_pdf_embedded_exe_nojs.rb
- exploitMSF adobe_pdf_embedded_exe.rb
- exploitExploitDB-11987
FAQ
Common Questions.
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.3.3, and 8.x before 8.2.3 on Windows and Mac OS X, do not restrict the contents of one text field in the Launch File warning dialog, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trick users into executing an arbitrary local program that was specified in a PDF document, as demonst…
Affected: Acrobat Reader (Adobe) versions 9.3.1; acroread (redhat). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 16, 2016.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including acroread 0:9.3.3-1.el5, acroread 0:9.3.3-2.el4.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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