How severe is CVE-2009-3489?

CVE-2009-3489 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2009-3489 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (78th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-3489?

CVE-2009-3489 affects Adobe Photoshop Elements. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-3489?

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

When was CVE-2009-3489 published?

CVE-2009-3489 was published on 2009-09-30 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-3489

CVE-2009-3489 is a high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Photoshop Elements with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-732.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (78th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-732
Affected product: Adobe Photoshop Elements
Published: 2009-09-30
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8.0 installs the Adobe Active File Monitor V8 service with an insecure security descriptor, which allows local users to (1) stop the service via the stop command, (2) execute arbitrary commands as SYSTEM by using the config command to modify the binPath variable, or (3) restart the service via the start command.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-3489?: Adobe Photoshop Elements 8.0 installs the Adobe Active File Monitor V8 service with an insecure security descriptor, which allows local users to (1) stop the service via the stop command, (2) execute arbitrary commands as SYSTEM by using the config command to modify the binPath variable, or (3) restart the service via the start command.
How severe is CVE-2009-3489?: CVE-2009-3489 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2009-3489 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (78th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-3489?: CVE-2009-3489 affects Adobe Photoshop Elements. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-3489?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2009-3489 published?: CVE-2009-3489 was published on 2009-09-30 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:adobe:photoshop_elements:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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