Internet Download Manager 6.42.42.2

Internet Download Manager (IDM) Security: Recurring Questions and Known Issues

1. Why Was IDM's Update Executable Flagged as Malware?

In December 2024, a user reported that idmupdt.exe, the IDM update executable, was flagged by Malwarebytes as "Malware.AI.4003968465". Upon further investigation using VirusTotal, only one antivirus engine detected it as malicious, suggesting a potential false positive. However, such detections can cause concern among users regarding the safety of IDM's update mechanisms. It's essential to ensure that IDM is downloaded from official sources and to keep antivirus definitions up to date to minimize false positives.

Source: Malwarebytes Forums

2. Are There Known Vulnerabilities in IDM That Allow Code Execution?

Yes, several vulnerabilities have been identified in IDM:

• CVE-2020-28964: A stack buffer overflow in the Search function of IDM version 6.37.11.1 allows attackers to escalate local process privileges via unspecified vectors.
  NVD - CVE-2020-28964

• CVE-2020-23060: A stack buffer overflow in the Export/Import function of IDM version 6.37.11.1 allows attackers to escalate local process privileges via a crafted .ef2 file.
  OpenCVE

• In version 6.41 Build 3, a vulnerability was discovered where IDM downloaded .chm help files over insecure HTTP connections. An attacker on the local network could perform a man-in-the-middle attack, replacing the help files with malicious ones, leading to remote code execution.
  Exploit-DB

These vulnerabilities highlight the importance of keeping IDM updated and being cautious with files imported into the application.

3. Can Using Cracked Versions of IDM Pose Security Risks?

Absolutely. Using cracked or pirated versions of IDM can expose users to significant security risks. Such versions may contain malware, backdoors, or other malicious modifications that can compromise system integrity. Additionally, these versions often disable essential security features or updates, leaving users vulnerable to known exploits. It's strongly recommended to use only official, licensed versions of IDM to ensure security and receive timely updates.

Source: Internet Download Manager Official Site

4. How Do Security Software Conflicts Affect IDM's Functionality?

IDM's operations can be hindered by conflicts with certain firewall or antivirus software. For instance, after updating IDM, some security programs may block its internet access due to changes in the executable's size or behavior. This can prevent downloads from starting or completing. To resolve such issues, users may need to adjust their security software settings to allow IDM's processes. Detailed configuration guides are available for various security applications.

Source: IDM Support - Firewall Configuration