How severe is CVE-2009-3525?

CVE-2009-3525 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2009-3525 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (66th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-3525?

CVE-2009-3525 primarily affects Xen. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-3525?

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-2009-3525 published?

CVE-2009-3525 was published on 2009-10-05 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-3525

CVE-2009-3525 is a high-severity vulnerability in Xen with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. 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-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (66th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Xen
Published: 2009-10-05
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The pyGrub boot loader in Xen 3.0.3, 3.3.0, and Xen-3.3.1 does not support the password option in grub.conf for para-virtualized guests, which allows attackers with access to the para-virtualized guest console to boot the guest or modify the guest's kernel boot parameters without providing the expected password.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-3525?: The pyGrub boot loader in Xen 3.0.3, 3.3.0, and Xen-3.3.1 does not support the password option in grub.conf for para-virtualized guests, which allows attackers with access to the para-virtualized guest console to boot the guest or modify the guest's kernel boot parameters without providing the expected password.
How severe is CVE-2009-3525?: CVE-2009-3525 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2009-3525 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (66th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-3525?: CVE-2009-3525 primarily affects Xen. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-3525?: 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-2009-3525 published?: CVE-2009-3525 was published on 2009-10-05 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:xen:xen:3.0.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:xen:xen:3.3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:xen:xen:3.3.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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