Malicious software can be concealed within seemingly innocuous documents delivered through electronic correspondence. A common method involves embedding harmful code within files designed for portable document format (PDF) viewing, attached to emails. Opening such an attachment may trigger the execution of the concealed code, leading to system compromise. For example, a user receives an email purportedly containing an invoice in PDF format. Upon opening the attachment, a script runs silently in the background, installing malware on the user’s computer.
The exploitation of document vulnerabilities represents a significant security threat, due to the widespread use of email as a communication medium and the prevalence of the PDF format for document sharing. The ease with which these files can be distributed makes them an attractive vector for attackers. Historically, advancements in document reader software have been met with corresponding advancements in malware obfuscation techniques, resulting in a constant cycle of attack and defense. Successful infection can result in data theft, system damage, or the establishment of a persistent foothold within a network.
