anavem.
P
Low RiskWindows
pdf24.exeEXECUTABLE

PDF24 Creator - PDF Tool and Virtual Printer [2026]

PDF24 is a PDF creation and manipulation tool with virtual printer functionality. Generally low risk, but PDF tools can be involved in document manipulation or social engineering attacks.

0viewsLast verified: Jan 18, 2025

Risk Summary

## Risk Summary | Factor | Assessment | |--------|------------| | Detection Difficulty | Low | | Abuse Potential | Low | | Prevalence | Common | | Risk Score | 20/100 | PDF24 is a legitimate PDF tool with minimal abuse potential, though PDF manipulation tools can be used in social engineering.

Overview

What is pdf24.exe?

PDF24 is a free PDF printer and PDF creator for Windows developed by Geek Software GmbH.

Key Characteristics

AttributeValue
File Namepdf24.exe, pdf24-Creator.exe
DeveloperGeek Software GmbH
Digital Signaturegeek software GmbH
Typical Size100-200 MB
TypePDF Utility

Technical Details

PropertyDescription
Process TypeUser Application/Service
FunctionalityPDF creation, editing, conversion
Virtual PrinterYes
OCRText recognition support

PDF24 provides comprehensive PDF functionality including creation, merging, and conversion.

Normal Behavior

Normal Behavior

Legitimate Usage Patterns

pdf24.exe  (Main launcher)
pdf24-Creator.exe  (Creator application)
pdf24-Toolbox.exe  (Toolbox application)
pdf24-PrinterService.exe  (Printer service)

Expected Characteristics

AspectExpected Behavior
Parent Processexplorer.exe, print spooler
User ContextCurrent user, SYSTEM (service)
NetworkMinimal (updates only)
File OperationsPDF file creation/modification

Components

ComponentPurpose
Virtual PrinterPrint to PDF
ToolboxPDF editing tools
CreatorPDF creation interface
OCRText recognition

Common Locations

C:\Program Files\PDF24\pdf24.exeC:\Program Files (x86)\PDF24\pdf24.exe

Suspicious Indicators

Suspicious Indicators

Red Flags

IndicatorConcern LevelDescription
Unusual locationMediumNot in Program Files
Batch processingLowAutomated PDF handling
Network uploadsMediumPDFs sent externally
Command-line automationLowScripted operations

Limited Abuse Potential

PDF24 has limited abuse potential because:
- No remote access capabilities
- Standard file operations only
- Well-signed by known vendor
- No code execution features

Potential Misuse

ScenarioConcern
Document forgeryLow - Tool for creating PDFs
Metadata extractionLow - Can access PDF metadata
Batch conversionLow - May be part of workflow

Abuse Techniques

Abuse Techniques

Social Engineering Support

Document Manipulation:
1. Obtain legitimate document
2. Use PDF24 to modify content
3. Create convincing forgery
4. Use in phishing/fraud

Document Collection

Reconnaissance Scenario:
1. Print spooler captures documents
2. PDF24 creates PDF copies
3. Attacker collects PDF output
4. Sensitive documents exfiltrated

Limited Technical Abuse

TechniqueFeasibility
Document forgeryPossible but not unique
Metadata harvestingLimited value
Credential captureNot applicable
Code executionNot applicable

Detection Guidance

Detection Guidance

Sysmon Configuration

<RuleGroup name="PDF24 Monitoring" groupRelation="or">
  <ProcessCreate onmatch="include">
    <Image condition="contains">pdf24</Image>
  </ProcessCreate>
  <FileCreate onmatch="include">
    <Image condition="contains">pdf24</Image>
    <TargetFilename condition="end with">.pdf</TargetFilename>
  </FileCreate>
</RuleGroup>

Sigma Rule

title: PDF24 Execution Detection
status: experimental
logsource:
  product: windows
  category: process_creation
detection:
  selection:
    Image|contains: 'pdf24'
  condition: selection
  falsepositives:
    - Normal PDF operations
  level: informational

KQL Query

DeviceProcessEvents
| where FileName contains "pdf24"
| project Timestamp, DeviceName, FileName, ProcessCommandLine, AccountName

// PDF creation activity
DeviceFileEvents
| where InitiatingProcessFileName contains "pdf24"
| where FileName endswith ".pdf"
| summarize PDFCount = count() by DeviceName, bin(Timestamp, 1h)

Remediation Steps

Remediation Steps

Assessment

# Find PDF24 installation
Get-ChildItem -Path "C:\Program Files*" -Recurse -Filter "pdf24*.exe" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

# Check service status
Get-Service | Where-Object { $_.Name -like "*pdf24*" }

Policy Considerations

ContextResponse
Normal usageMonitor if needed
High-volume PDF creationReview for data collection
Unusual hoursInvestigate automation

Enterprise Guidance

PDF24 is generally safe:
- Standard productivity tool
- Low security risk
- Monitor for unusual patterns
- Consider if approved tool

Investigation Checklist

Investigation Checklist

Installation Verification

  • Is PDF24 legitimately installed?
  • What version is running?
  • Is it an approved application?

Usage Analysis

  • What PDFs are being created?
  • What is the source of content?
  • Are PDFs being uploaded anywhere?
  • Is there batch processing?

Context Assessment

  • Does usage match user role?
  • Is there unusual timing?
  • Are sensitive documents involved?

MITRE ATT&CK Techniques

T1005 - Data from Local System