CVE-2009-0836

CVE-2009-0836 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Foxitsoftware Reader with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 41% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

• Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 41% (98th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-119
• Affected product: Foxitsoftware Reader
• Published: 2009-03-10
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Foxit Reader 2.3 before Build 3902 and 3.0 before Build 1506, including 1120 and 1301, does not require user confirmation before performing dangerous actions defined in a PDF file, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs and have unspecified other impact via a crafted file, as demonstrated by the "Open/Execute a file" action.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-0836?

Foxit Reader 2.3 before Build 3902 and 3.0 before Build 1506, including 1120 and 1301, does not require user confirmation before performing dangerous actions defined in a PDF file, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs and have unspecified other impact via a crafted file, as demonstrated by the "Open/Execute a file" action.

How severe is CVE-2009-0836?

CVE-2009-0836 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2009-0836 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 41% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-0836?

CVE-2009-0836 primarily affects Foxitsoftware Reader. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-0836?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2009-0836 published?

CVE-2009-0836 was published on 2009-03-10 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://blog.zoller.lu/2009/03/remote-code-execution-in-pdf-still.html
• http://lists.immunitysec.com/pipermail/dailydave/2010-April/006079.html
• http://secunia.com/advisories/34036
• http://www.coresecurity.com/content/foxit-reader-vulnerabilities
• http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/security.htm#bypass
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/501623/100/0/threaded
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/34035
• http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1021824
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/0634

Affected products (2)

• cpe:2.3:a:foxitsoftware:reader:2.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:foxitsoftware:reader:3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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