CVE-2019-8071
📋 TL;DR
Adobe Download Manager version 2.0.0.363 has insecure file permissions that allow local users to modify files with elevated privileges. This vulnerability enables privilege escalation attacks where attackers can gain higher system access. Only users running this specific version are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Adobe Download Manager
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise through privilege escalation to SYSTEM/root level access, allowing complete control over the affected system.
Likely Case
Local attackers gain administrative privileges to install malware, modify system files, or access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper user account controls and least privilege principles in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the system and knowledge of insecure file locations.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.0.0.364 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/adm/apsb19-51.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Download Manager. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Install available updates. 4. Restart the application.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Uninstall Adobe Download Manager
windowsRemove the vulnerable software entirely to eliminate the attack surface.
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Adobe Download Manager > Uninstall
Restrict File Permissions
windowsManually adjust file permissions for Adobe Download Manager directories to prevent unauthorized modifications.
icacls "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Download Manager" /inheritance:r /grant:r "Users:(OI)(CI)RX" /grant:r "Administrators:(OI)(CI)F"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles - ensure users run with minimal necessary permissions
- Monitor file system changes in Adobe Download Manager directories using file integrity monitoring tools
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Download Manager version in Help > About or verify file version of ADM.exe in installation directory.Check Version:
wmic product where name="Adobe Download Manager" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 2.0.0.364 or higher in Help > About dialog.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected file modifications in Adobe Download Manager directories
- Privilege escalation attempts in Windows security logs
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName="*adm*" AND NewProcessName="*cmd*" OR NewProcessName="*powershell*"