CVE-2009-3459
HighExploitedPublic exploitHeap-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 via a crafted PDF file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in October 2009.
Published Oct 13, 2009 · Updated May 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2009-3459 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Acrobat (Adobe), Acrobat Reader (Adobe), acroread (redhat).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 13, 2009. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 87% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including acroread 0:8.1.7-1, acroread 0:8.1.7-1.el4, acroread 0:8.1.7-1.el5.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
87%
Higher than 99.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2009-3459 brief as a PDF
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Description
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 via a crafted PDF file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in October 2009. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 20, 2026 | Jun 3, 2026 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 13, 2009 | Jun 3, 2026 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Oct 13, 2009 | Jun 3, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 20, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| AcrobatAdobe | See advisory | 7.1.4 |
| Acrobat ReaderAdobe | See advisory | 7.1.4 |
| acroreadredhat | See advisory | 0:8.1.7-1 |
Patched Releases
acroread
0:8.1.7-1, 0:8.1.7-1.el4, 0:8.1.7-1.el5
Acrobat
7.1.4
Acrobat Reader
7.1.4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 13, 2009
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 13, 2009
Added to CIRCL KEV
Oct 13, 2009
Added to CISA KEV
May 20, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 20, 2026
Last updated
May 21, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
- CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow
References
- advisoryhttp://blogs.adobe.com/psirt/2009/10/adobe_reader_and_acrobat_issue_1.html
- advisoryRHSA-2009:1499
- advisory36983
- advisoryadobe-reader-pdf-code-execution(53691)
- advisoryADV-2009-2851
FAQ
Common Questions.
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 via a crafted PDF file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in October 2009.
Affected: Acrobat (Adobe); Acrobat Reader (Adobe); acroread (redhat). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Oct 13, 2009.
Yes. It was added on May 20, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 3, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including acroread 0:8.1.7-1, acroread 0:8.1.7-1.el4, acroread 0:8.1.7-1.el5.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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