On July 31, 2009, Adobe released security updates for versions of Adobe Reader, Air and Flash Player.  This Adobe security patch was then updated on August 3, 2009.  The Adobe security update patch has been released to fix “critical issues” that Adobe found in these programs.  Here is a brief overview of the problems and the Adobe security fix.

The Adobe security patch was developed and released to combat problems that could cause Adobe applications to crash.  The crash could open up the possibility for hackers to take control of a system affected by the failure.  The Adobe security patch was necessary for programs running operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Solaris.  Obviously, this Adobe security issue was a substantial one that could allow for a host of problems for affected systems and/or computers.

Adobe PDF files are the main way that businesses around the world share documents.  The Adobe security measures in place in the Reader, Air and Flash Player programs need to be effective in controlling unauthorized access to files.  The exposure of this Adobe security flaw was a major concern to businesses around the world, as well as Adobe.  Once aware of the security flaw, Adobe worked quickly to develop a patch that would fix the problem.

If you are currently running any of the following programs, you need to install the Adobe security patch.

• Adobe Flash Player 9.0.159.0 and 10.0.22.87 and earlier 9.x and 10.x versions
• Adobe AIR 1.5.1 and earlier versions
• Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.1.2 and earlier 9.x versions

The Adobe security patch can be found at the Adobe web site at http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-10.html.