Unlocking password protected pdf's when it should not be possible.

[gwe...@adobeforums.com]

Using Trial Software Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro (windows xp pro).
I have discovered that I can unlock all locked pdf's created by in earlier versions WITHOUT entering, being asked for or even knowing the password.
This seems to be an amazing security issue yet Adobe would not answer when I raised the question because they do not give technical support for trial products!!!
Has anybody else discovered this?

[berndalheit]

How did you unlock the pdf documents?

[gwe...@adobeforums.com]

Hi Bernd
I simply unlocked the password protected pdf (which had been created in acrobat 6) by using the drop down menu from "Secure" and choosing "Remove Security", I was then asked was I sure I wanted to remove security, answered yes and bingo it had no security!

My repro department were astounded I could do this with a trial program. My MD is alarmed and if some of our customers were aware they would be having kittens. (We do a lot of legal documents which have to be locked).

If you send me a password protected pdf I will see if I can return it unlocked (this works with V6 created pdf's and guess it would work with others?)

paul...@summitprint.co.uk

regards
Paul

[graffiti]

My repro department were astounded I could do this with a trial program.
My MD is alarmed and if some of our customers were aware they would be
having kittens. (We do a lot of legal documents which have to be locked).

Then you would be using the wrong product.

Adobe security is usually only honored by other Adobe products (and evidently sometimes not even then). It is way to easy to get around security.

[gwe...@adobeforums.com]

I have established with the help of Bernd that the trial software I am using, Acrobat Pro 9, will remove security without asking for the password from pdf's created in v6 but does ask for password when trying to remove security from pdfs created in v8 so I cannot remove security from these without using the password.

Has anybody else discovered this with v9?

In my opinion this issue is a fundamental error with the software and needs addressing urgently.

How can I get Adobe to take notice. My attempts todate have failed as they keep saying they do not give assistance to people using the trial software before they purchase.

Any suggestions most welcome.

It

[gwe...@adobeforums.com]

Hi Graffiti
Surely Adobe should be able to produce a secure system?
. . . . well at least a program that will not allow a total novice, like me, to unlock a password protected pdf. . . . or am I asking the impossible?

What product should I be looking at then?

regards
gwenrip

[graffiti]

or am I asking the impossible?

So far, that would be the case. Google "unlock a PDF" <http://www.google.com/search?q=unlock+a+pdf&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a> to see just how many apps (mostly free) are out there that bypass PDF security.

If these PDF's contain private, legal info, you simply need to find a new workflow that doesn't include PDF.

If you need to stay with PDF, you will want to check in to Digital Rights Management. <http://www.adobe.com/manufacturing/drm.html>

[John_T...@adobeforums.com]

To report problems or ask for new features directly at Adobe, click
<http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/mmform/index.cfm?name=wishform> - do be
sure to include all information, so they may reproduce the problem

[Simo...@adobeforums.com]

I'm confused, do you use Acrobat 9 trial on it's own to remove security from Acrobat 6 PDF files?
If so can you post a sample pdf?

Or are you using a 3rd party unlock utility alongside Acrobat 9 to unlock pdf files? (In this scenario read the warning that pops up when securing a PDF)

[gwe...@adobeforums.com]

HI SIMON

I'm confused, do you use Acrobat 9 trial on it's own to remove security from Acrobat 6 PDF files? YES

If so can you post a sample pdf? HOW DO I DO THIS - I could e-mail you if you advise your e-mail (mine is paul...@summitprint.co.uk)?

Or are you using a 3rd party unlock utility alongside Acrobat 9 to unlock pdf files? NO

I have reported to adobe as suggested by John T Smith and hope they respond.

[berndalheit]

In Acrobat 9 it is possible to remove the security settings without the permission password. In Acrobat 8 you must know the password.

[Simo...@adobeforums.com]

you can upload a file to the share service on <https://www.acrobat.com/#/share/ShareBegin>

or any filehosting service you like and post the link here.