The Creative Cloud suite has always been subscription-based. Any website offering a "free direct download" is distributing cracked, pirated software .
In 2020, security firm Malwarebytes reported a surge in downloads that actually delivered the "RedLine Stealer" malware — a trojan that extracts saved passwords from browsers and crypto wallets. Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2018 Free Direct Download Offline
Adobe allows legitimate subscribers to download (including 2018) directly via the Creative Cloud Desktop App. Here is the official process: The Creative Cloud suite has always been subscription-based
However, this demand created a grey market. Seeking "free" direct downloads often exposes users to significant risks, including: Security Vulnerabilities: pirated software . In 2020
Note: Adobe no longer provides standalone offline installers for CC versions to the general public. Only enterprise (IT) accounts can download MSI/EXE packages.