JavaScript Vulnerabilities and Adobe Reader

JavaScript and Ajax based tools, functions and frameworks have greatly improved over the years that it can be implemented in various platforms. Aside from its ability to work without any problems in various Operating Systems and browsers, JavaScript and Ajax can work without any problem in various mobile devices.

The ability of implementing JavaScript and Ajax based functions are even available in Adobe Readers. Developers should be able to integrate JavaScript functions in PDF format and expect users to work with the created functions without the browser.

Integrating JavaScript and Ajax based functions in PDF can be likened to attaching codes to basic HTML websites. Instead of building a powerful application, developers or writers can create text and include the JavaScript code in their application.

Fortunately, PDF creation tools have been developed to allow writers include some JavaScript files for more interaction. Since it will connect online for additional interaction, it will not require another browser for additional data.

Writers, web developers can use JavaScript to provide more than just basic data in PDF. It's actually a very smart plan for PDF since they extend their functions beyond the written word.

The possibility of adding JavaScript and Ajax scripts in PDF also creates another mobile environment for users. For example, users don't have to log-in or use the browsers just to access the data they need. They can store their PDF documents online or in any storage device and use them at will. The PDF has become a browser as it can read JavaScript files and implement them.

Adobe Reader is No Browser and Vice-Versa

But before everyone creates a small application that can run in PDF or more specifically Adobe Reader, it is important to note the difference of browsers and Adobe Reader. Browsers have been specifically developed to deal with JavaScript and Ajax based applications. PDF have also been improved but extensive applications may not be possible.

The biggest concern however, is the vulnerability of Adobe Readers to different type of attacks. This problem used to be found in browsers but browsers have been improved so that attacks will be prevented or at least scarce.

Adobe Reader on the other hand, has limited security measures compared to browsers. As a developer this should be a concern since JavaScript code can be easily read, edited so that functions will be added to extract personal data from users. Users may also encounter PDF documents written specifically to steal personal data.

So what's the lesson to be learned here? Simple: An update on Adobe Reader. Adobe is already aware of the possible exploit created through JavaScript and they have created an updated to deal with the said problem.

Of course, there are other PDF readers that can do the job of Adobe Reader without the vulnerabilities. But it's just a matter of time before attacks are specifically made for these PDF readers. For that reason, using the latest version of PDF and the date of release is very important to ensure security of the JavaScript application.