CVE-2009-4502Zabbix Vulnerability
The NET_TCP_LISTEN function in net.c in Zabbix Agent before 1.6.7, when running on FreeBSD or Solaris, allows remote attackers to bypass the EnableRemoteCommands setting and execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the argument to net.tcp.listen.
Published Dec 31, 2009 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2009-4502
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2009-4502 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Zabbix.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 22% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Zabbix 1:1.8-1, Zabbix 1.6.6.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
9.3
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
22%
Higher than 97.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
58/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
Public exploit code
3
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
1
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2009-4502
- advisory37740
- advisoryADV-2009-3514
Description
The NET_TCP_LISTEN function in net.c in Zabbix Agent before 1.6.7, when running on FreeBSD or Solaris, allows remote attackers to bypass the EnableRemoteCommands setting and execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the argument to net.tcp.listen. NOTE: this attack is limited to attacks from trusted IP addresses.
Affected Products
19 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| ZabbixZabbix | 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.4, 1.4.6 | 1.6.6 |
Patched Releases
Zabbix
1:1.8-1, 1.6.6
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Dec 31, 2009
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-264
References
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2009-4502
- advisory37740
- advisoryADV-2009-3514
- exploitMSF zabbix_agent_exec.rb
- exploitsupport.zabbix.com · ZBX-1032
FAQ
Common Questions.
The NET_TCP_LISTEN function in net.c in Zabbix Agent before 1.6.7, when running on FreeBSD or Solaris, allows remote attackers to bypass the EnableRemoteCommands setting and execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the argument to net.tcp.listen.
Affected: Zabbix versions 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.4, 1.4.6. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Zabbix 1:1.8-1, Zabbix 1.6.6.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2009-4502 On Your Attack Surface?
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