Adobe Systems has issued updates to fix security flaws in its Reader and Acrobat software that could allow an attacker to remotely commandeer a computer.
The vulnerabilities affect Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat Standard, Professional and Elements versions 7.0.8 and earlier, as well as Adobe Acrobat 3D, Adobe said in its advisory. Secunia rated the Reader flaw as "highly critical."
The version 7.0.9 updates issued Tuesday are designed to address holes that could allow outsiders to gain access to hard-disk drives via a malicious link that targets PDF files on vulnerable computers.
The attackers could then take the compromised system and read and delete files, execute programs and forward information from the computer.
Adobe recommends that Reader users upgrade to Reader 8, the most recent major version, to fix the problem. Those whose computer systems are not compatible, or who do not want to move to version 8 can install Tuesday's 7.0.9 version instead.
That means people will have to do a full installation of a software version to protect their computers. Typically, companies will provide a patch to fix security holes--a less time-consuming process--but Adobe has not done that in this case.
The 7.0.9 update is slightly larger than a patch, an Adobe representative said. The company was already working on the update when it added the security features, so Adobe was able to get out a full installation faster than it would for just a patch, the representative added.
The two telecom carriers will carry a next-generation iPad running on the fast, next-generation wireless technology, sources tell The Wall Street Journal.
Google creates an animated doodle that features a boy, a girl, Google's search engine, and a jump rope. But might there be darker, more analytical, more troubling interpretations to this tale?
The Silicon Valley online payments startup grew by 1,000 percent last year and is hopeful it can repeat that level of growth this year. To do that, it's had to move away from its early friends-and-family roots and embrace small businesses.
Chamtech's spray-on antenna uses a nano material to provide a low-power boost to antenna range. The wireless-in-a-can product may some day bring an end to unsightly cell towers.
EnerG2 opens a plant to make an engineered carbon that will improve performance of energy storage devices and make storage for start-stop hybrid cars less expensive.
Join the conversation