CVE-2009-4764

CVE-2009-4764 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader 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-94.

Key facts

• Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 4% (88th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-94
• Affected product: Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Published: 2010-04-05
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Adobe Reader 8.x and 9.x on Windows is able to execute EXE files that are embedded in a PDF document, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trick users into executing arbitrary code via a crafted document.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-4764?

Adobe Reader 8.x and 9.x on Windows is able to execute EXE files that are embedded in a PDF document, which makes it easier for remote attackers to trick users into executing arbitrary code via a crafted document.

How severe is CVE-2009-4764?

CVE-2009-4764 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2009-4764 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 4% (88th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-4764?

CVE-2009-4764 primarily affects Adobe Acrobat Reader. In total, 15 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-4764?

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-2009-4764 published?

CVE-2009-4764 was published on 2010-04-05 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://lists.immunitysec.com/pipermail/dailydave/2010-April/006072.html
• http://lists.immunitysec.com/pipermail/dailydave/2010-April/006074.html
• http://www.metasploit.com/redmine/projects/framework/repository/revisions/8379/changes/modules/exploits/windows/fileformat/adobe_pdf_embedded_exe.rb
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/57994
• https://forum.immunityinc.com/board/thread/1199/exploiting-pdf-files-without-vulnerabili/?page=1#post-1199
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6976

Affected products (15)

• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:8.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:8.1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:8.1.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:8.1.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:8.1.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:8.1.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:8.1.7:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:9.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:9.1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:9.1.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:9.1.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:9.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:adobe:acrobat_reader:9.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Adobe Acrobat Reader

• CVE-2018-4872 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat Reader 2018.009.20050 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30070 and earlier…
• CVE-2015-7622 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.16 and 11.x before 11.0.13, Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic before…
• CVE-2015-6691 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.16 and 11.x before 11.0.13, Acrobat and…
• CVE-2015-6687 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.16 and 11.x before 11.0.13, Acrobat and…
• CVE-2015-6684 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.16 and 11.x before 11.0.13, Acrobat and…
• CVE-2015-6683 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.16 and 11.x before 11.0.13, Acrobat and…

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