CVE-2010-1240
CVE-2010-1240 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 73% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.
Key facts
- Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 73% (99th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-264
- Affected product: Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Published:
- Last modified:
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2010-1240?
- 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.
- How severe is CVE-2010-1240?
- CVE-2010-1240 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
- Is CVE-2010-1240 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 73% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2010-1240?
- CVE-2010-1240 affects Adobe Acrobat Reader. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2010-1240?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2010-1240 published?
- CVE-2010-1240 was published on 2010-04-05 and last updated on 2026-06-16.
References
- http://blog.didierstevens.com/2010/03/29/escape-from-pdf/
- http://blog.didierstevens.com/2010/06/29/quickpost-no-escape-from-pdf/
- http://lists.immunitysec.com/pipermail/dailydave/2010-April/006075.html
- http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb10-15.html
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1024159
- http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-231A.html
- http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2010/1636
- https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A7466
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:9.3.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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