Include a PDF viewer in Windows to reduce exploits? Nice idea, but it won't work

Filed under: Security, Adobe

It's no secret that malicious PDF files targeting weaknesses in Adobe Reader have become one of the most popular forms of attack. Some reports indicate that there are nearly eight times the number of PDF-based exploits in the wild in 2009 than in 2008.

In a talk with PC World, F-Secure's Sean Sullivan states his belief that Microsoft should include a PDF viewer in Windows. That sounds like a great idea, right? It could help plug a major security hole, and why shouldn't Windows know how to display PDF files out of the box? Most Linux distros can -- and Mac users have Preview.

That's not a solution that would work, though.

Why not, you ask?

Well, for starters, there's that whole antitrust thing. Yes, Microsoft and Adobe have a decent working relationship. However, who's to say that if Redmond decided to add PDF capabilities to XPS Viewer that Adobe (or Sumatra, or Foxit) wouldn't cry foul to the powers that be? Giant market share, unfair use of position in that market to gain a competitive advantage ... does that sound familiar?

Continue reading Include a PDF viewer in Windows to reduce exploits? Nice idea, but it won't work

Include a PDF viewer in Windows to reduce exploits? Nice idea, but it won't work originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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