CVE-2018-4990
HighExploitedPublic exploitAdobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier have a Double Free vulnerability.
Published Jul 9, 2018 · Updated Oct 23, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-4990 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Acrobat Dc (Adobe), Acrobat Reader Dc (Adobe), Adobe Acrobat and Reader 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier versions.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since May 14, 2018. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Acrobat Dc <=15.006.30417, Acrobat Dc <=18.011.20038, Acrobat Reader Dc <=15.006.30417.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
36%
Higher than 98.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier have a Double Free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jun 8, 2022 | Jun 22, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | May 14, 2018 | Jun 22, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jun 8, 2022 | Jun 22, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jun 8, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobat DcAdobe | See advisory | 15.006.30417 |
| Acrobat Reader DcAdobe | See advisory | 15.006.30417 |
| Adobe Acrobat and Reader 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier versions | >= Adobe Acrobat and Reader 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier versions | n/a |
Patched Releases
Acrobat Dc
<=15.006.30417, <=18.011.20038
Acrobat Reader Dc
<=15.006.30417, <=18.011.20038
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 14, 2018
Publicly disclosed
Jul 9, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
Jun 8, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jun 8, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jun 8, 2022
Last updated
Oct 23, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-415 Double Free
References
- advisoryhttps://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb18-09.html
- advisoryhttps://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-4990
- advisory104167
- advisory1040920
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier have a Double Free vulnerability.
Affected: Acrobat Dc (Adobe); Acrobat Reader Dc (Adobe); Adobe Acrobat and Reader 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier versions versions >= Adobe Acrobat and Reader 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier versions. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since May 14, 2018.
Yes. It was added on Jun 8, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 22, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Acrobat Dc <=15.006.30417, Acrobat Dc <=18.011.20038, Acrobat Reader Dc <=15.006.30417.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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