Adobe Reader DC must enable Protected Mode.

A threat to users of Adobe Reader DC is opening a PDF file that contains malicious executable content.

Protected mode provides a sandbox capability that prevents malicious PDF files from launching arbitrary executable files, writing to system directories or the Windows registry.

This isolation of the PDFs reduces the risk of security breaches in areas outside the sandbox.

Satisfies: SRG-APP-000112, SRG-APP-000206, SRG-APP-000207, SRG-APP-000209, SRG-APP-000210

Verify the following registry configuration:

Utilizing the Registry Editor, navigate to the following: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureLockDown

Value Name: bProtectedMode Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1

If the value for bProtectedMode is not set to “1” and Type configured to REG_DWORD or does not exist, then this is a finding.

Configure the following registry value:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Registry Path: \Software\Policies\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureLockDown

Value Name: bProtectedMode Type: REG_DWORD Value: 1