Security/Danger of PDF files

I've been receiving emails recently, usually with no subject or text content, only a PDF file as an attachment. They vary as to the name of the attchment file, but the two most recent emails BOTH had attachments named "invitation.pdf ". I've not downloaded any of those attachments as I am highly suspicious of them, and I seriously doubt they contain anything of [good] value.

I've been under the impression that PDF files were "safe ", that is, it was not possible to place viruses or other malicious software inside such a file for the purpose of doing harm to an unsuspecting Internet user. Recently though, I read something that reported that some evil-doers have discovered how to plant malicious sofware in PDF files. I attempted to do some research on that, but I'm not clear on the significance of what I found. I think what I found said that as long as you open such a malicious PDF only with Adobe Reader, you cannot be harmed by the file.

Anyone have thoughts or comments on this?

Thanks.

 

This is a safe assumption, one which if everyone took, spam would all be eliminated.

.pdf files are the latest trick of spammers to get users to open and infect themselves.

Users need to treat any attachment from an unknown source as spam\bad and delete it immediately. The sooner people get the hint the sooner spam will disappear, tho I'm fairly certain there enough stupid people out there clicking away to not make this happen in my lifetime.

 

Since Adobe has released security-related updates in the past, I suspect clicking on .PDF attachments can be hazardous, especially if they were sent by an unfamiliar source.

In general, I do not click on any links or attachments unless I am certain a trusted sender deliberately sent the message to me.

 

I'm sure - you'd be safe if you use the Foxit Reader instead of Adobe's.
On top of that - I personally use the SandBoxIE and force the Foxit Reader into a sandbox.

 

Those spam w/ the pdf attachments usually open into a stupid graphic trying to sell you a medicine or body part enhancement, in short, regular spam. However, I still wouldn't open attachments you are not expecting from people you don't know.
Johanna