CVE-2009-3459KEV · OVERDUE

Adobe Acrobat and Reader Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

High · published October 13, 2009

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.7th percentile for exploit probability.

142
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
87%
Percentile
99.7
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A maliciously crafted PDF is all it takes to unleash chaos! This heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat is like a tiny Trojan horse, sneaking in and wreaking havoc. ⚡ Think of it as a waiter bringing a dish that’s too big for the plate—once it starts to overflow, everything can get messy in the kitchen! In this case, the crafted PDF spills over, corrupting memory and allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability remotely, leading to complete system compromise. Imagine opening a seemingly innocent PDF only to find yourself under siege as the attacker takes control of your machine, stealing sensitive data or launching further attacks—absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of it as a waiter bringing a dish that’s too big for the plate—once it starts to overflow, everything can get messy in the kitchen! In this case, the crafted PDF spills over, corrupting memory and allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability arises from a heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat, impacting versions before 7.1.4, 8.1.7, and 9.2. When a specially crafted PDF is processed, it triggers memory corruption, allowing an attacker to execute any code of their choosing.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability remotely, leading to complete system compromise. Imagine opening a seemingly innocent PDF only to find yourself under siege as the attacker takes control of your machine, stealing sensitive data or launching further attacks—absolutely devastating! To protect yourself from this vulnerability, immediately update Adobe Reader and Acrobat to the latest versions—7.1.4, 8.1.7, or 9.2 and above. Also, consider implementing robust security measures like disabling JavaScript in your PDF viewer to further minimize risk. 🛡️ You've got this! With these steps, you'll block this vulnerability and keep your digital space safe and sound! 🔒💪

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.86646 · 99.7th percentile
Published
2009-10-13T10:00Z
KEV added
2026-05-20 · due 2026-06-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 20 MAY 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Jun 3
    kev
  • 13 OCT 10:00Z
    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…
    cvelistv5