CVE-2009-3459
CVE-2009-3459 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2026-05-20). The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
- CVSS v2: 9.3
- EPSS exploit prediction: 86% (100th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Yes — listed in CISA KEV (added 2026-05-20)
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2009-3441
- EU exploitation: Flagged exploited in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (since 2026-05-20)
- Weakness: CWE-119
- Affected product: Adobe Acrobat
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 7.x before 7.1.4, 8.x before 8.1.7, and 9.x before 9.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in October 2009. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2009-3459?
- Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 7.x before 7.1.4, 8.x before 8.1.7, and 9.x before 9.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in October 2009. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
- How severe is CVE-2009-3459?
- CVE-2009-3459 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2009-3459 being actively exploited?
- Yes. CVE-2009-3459 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2026-05-20, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
- What products are affected by CVE-2009-3459?
- CVE-2009-3459 primarily affects Adobe Acrobat. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2009-3459?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
- Does CVE-2009-3459 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2009-3459 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2009-3441. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2026-05-20).
- When was CVE-2009-3459 published?
- CVE-2009-3459 was published on 2009-10-13 and last updated on 2026-06-16.
References
- http://blogs.adobe.com/psirt/2009/10/adobe_reader_and_acrobat_issue_1.html
- http://isc.sans.org/diary.html?storyid=7300
- http://secunia.com/advisories/36983
- http://securitytracker.com/id?1023007
- http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-15.html
- http://www.iss.net/threats/348.html
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/36600
- http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-286B.html
- http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/2851
- http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/2898
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/53691
- https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6534
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2009-3459
Affected products (2)
- cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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