How severe is CVE-2009-4270?

CVE-2009-4270 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2009-4270 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-4270?

CVE-2009-4270 primarily affects Ghostscript. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-4270?

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-2009-4270 published?

CVE-2009-4270 was published on 2009-12-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-4270

CVE-2009-4270 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Ghostscript with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. 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-119.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 7% (93rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-119
Affected product: Ghostscript
Published: 2009-12-21
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the errprintf function in base/gsmisc.c in ghostscript 8.64 through 8.70 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file, as originally reported for debug logging code in gdevcups.c in the CUPS output driver.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-4270?: Stack-based buffer overflow in the errprintf function in base/gsmisc.c in ghostscript 8.64 through 8.70 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file, as originally reported for debug logging code in gdevcups.c in the CUPS output driver.
How severe is CVE-2009-4270?: CVE-2009-4270 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2009-4270 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-4270?: CVE-2009-4270 primarily affects Ghostscript. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-4270?: 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-2009-4270 published?: CVE-2009-4270 was published on 2009-12-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:ghostscript:ghostscript:8.64:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:ghostscript:ghostscript:8.70:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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