macOS - Software Lifecycle - Patch Adobe Reader With Notifications

What the Adobe Reader updater does

This Automox Worklet™ updates Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest available version on macOS endpoints. The Worklet first checks the currently installed Adobe Reader version against the latest version available in the Automox cache. If a newer version exists, the Worklet downloads it and applies the update to all endpoints.

The Worklet includes intelligent user interaction handling. If Adobe Reader is currently running on an endpoint, the Worklet displays a notification asking the user whether they want to proceed with the update now or cancel it. The user has up to three minutes to respond. If the user consents, the Worklet terminates the Adobe Reader process, applies the update, and relaunches the application automatically.

The Worklet maintains backup copies of the existing Adobe Reader installation during the update process. If the update fails, the Worklet automatically restores the previous version from the backup, verifying endpoints always have a functional version of Adobe Reader available.

Why keep Adobe Reader current

Outdated Adobe Reader versions contain known vulnerabilities that attackers weaponize through malicious PDF files. When users open compromised PDF documents with unpatched Reader versions, they expose endpoints to remote code execution, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration attacks. Organizations face targeted phishing campaigns that exploit specific Adobe Reader CVEs, making timely updates critical for preventing document-based malware infections.

Outdated versions of Adobe Reader can cause compatibility issues with modern PDF features and document handling. Organizations that enforce compliance standards such as PCI-DSS or HIPAA often require that software stay current with security patches. Automating Adobe Reader updates through Automox maintains consistent patching across all macOS endpoints without requiring manual intervention from IT teams.

The Worklet respects user workflows by asking for permission before forcing an update when Adobe Reader is running. This user-friendly approach reduces disruption while still verifying critical security patches are applied in a timely manner across your organization.

How Adobe Reader update enforcement works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet queries the Automox version cache to retrieve the latest available Adobe Reader version. It then reads the installed Adobe Reader version from the application's property list file at /Applications/Adobe Acrobat Reader.app/Contents/Info.plist. If the installed version matches the latest version, the Worklet exits with success and no changes are required. If versions differ, the Worklet proceeds to remediation.

2. Remediation phase: The Worklet downloads the latest Adobe Reader DMG file from the Automox cache to /var/tmp/automox_adobe_reader.dmg. If Adobe Reader is running, it displays a system notification offering to update immediately or cancel. If the user accepts or Adobe Reader is not running, the Worklet terminates any running Adobe Reader processes, backs up the existing installation as Adobe Acrobat Reader..bak, mounts the DMG file, runs the installer package against the Macintosh HD volume, unmounts the DMG, cleans up temporary files, and relaunches Adobe Reader for the console user. If the installation succeeds, the backup is removed. If the installation fails, the original version is restored from the backup.

Adobe Reader update requirements

• macOS endpoints with Adobe Acrobat Reader already installed

• Internet connectivity to reach the Automox version cache API

• Administrator or sudo privileges on the endpoint to modify applications and run the installer

• Sufficient free disk space in /Applications and /var/tmp directories to temporarily store the DMG file

• Automox Notifier application installed for user notification display when updates are applied

Expected Adobe Reader state after update

After successful remediation, Adobe Reader will be updated to the latest available version. All temporary files used during the update process, including the downloaded DMG file and any backup folders, are automatically removed to conserve disk space.

Verification: Launch Adobe Reader and select Adobe Acrobat Reader > About Adobe Acrobat Reader to confirm the version matches the latest release. Run defaults read /Applications/Adobe\ Acrobat\ Reader.app/Contents/Info.plist CFBundleShortVersionString to verify the version programmatically. If Adobe Reader was running when the update executed and the user approved the update, the Worklet automatically relaunches the application. If the update fails, the Worklet restores the previous working version from backup.

How to validate patch adobe reader with notifications changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot macOS endpoint and review evaluation output for patch adobe reader with notifications.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as exit, elif, else.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as exit, mv, function, then rerun evaluation for compliance.