CVE-2018-4990
Published: June 8, 2022
Official Description
Adobe Acrobat and Reader have a double free vulnerability that could lead to remote code execution.
CISA KEV Advisory
Adobe Acrobat and Reader Double Free Vulnerability
Adobe Acrobat and Reader have a double free vulnerability that could lead to remote code execution.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
Adobe Acrobat and Reader contain a double free vulnerability that could lead to remote code execution. With its inclusion in the KEV catalog and a high EPSS score of 0.62033, this vulnerability represents a confirmed and significant risk that is likely to be exploited.
Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild. It is remotely exploitable, likely through specially crafted PDF files.
Users should update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to the latest versions to patch this double free vulnerability. Exercise caution when opening untrusted PDF documents.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2018-4990 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2018-4990 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2018-4990 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1