Intelligence online17 sources monitored8 actively exploited 7d26 published 24hChecked recently
Vulnerability record

CVE-2009-3459

Adobe Acrobat and Reader Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

HighExploitation confirmedCISA KEV
What should I do?

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog: attackers are using it. If you run Acrobat and Reader, fix it now.

CISA 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.

US federal civilian agencies must remediate by Jun 3, 2026.

Patch status

Official fix available since

Apply the vendor's update to every affected system. Check the fixed-in versions below where known.

Basis: NVD patch reference

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.

Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database. Official vulnerability data, reproduced as published.

Affected products

ProductVendorAffected versionsFixed inSource
AcrobatAdobe>= 7.0, < 7.1.4; >= 8.0, < 8.1.7; >= 9.0, < 9.27.1.4; 8.1.7; 9.2NVD
Acrobat and ReaderAdobe——KEV

Sources: NVD = NIST National Vulnerability Database; KEV = CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Intelligence timeline

Developments from the last 30 days, newest first.

  1. CVSS scoredUpdateKEV

    CVE-2009-3459 scored CVSS 8.8: Adobe Acrobat and Reader, Adobe Acrobat and Reader Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

    CISA lists this as exploited in the wild. Unpatched Acrobat and Reader systems are exposed to active attacks now.

    Basis: NIST National Vulnerability Database

  2. Patch releasedUpdateKEV

    Patch released for CVE-2009-3459: Adobe Acrobat and Reader, Adobe Acrobat and Reader Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

    An official fix is now available for Adobe Acrobat and Reader. This vulnerability is being exploited, so apply it promptly.

    Basis: NVD patch reference

1 earlier event is available with a subscription. See plans.

Coverage

We have not published a story about this vulnerability yet.

References

  • cisa.gov https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2009/10/13/adobe-reader-and-acrobat-vulnerabilities
  • web.archive.org https://web.archive.org/web/20120324170253/http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-15.html#:~:t…
  • nvd.nist.gov https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2009-3459
  • blogs.adobe.com http://blogs.adobe.com/psirt/2009/10/adobe_reader_and_acrobat_issue_1.html
  • isc.sans.org http://isc.sans.org/diary.html?storyid=7300
  • secunia.com http://secunia.com/advisories/36983
  • securitytracker.com http://securitytracker.com/id?1023007
  • adobe.com http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-15.html
  • iss.net http://www.iss.net/threats/348.html
  • securityfocus.com http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/36600
  • us-cert.gov http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-286B.html
  • vupen.com http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/2851
  • vupen.com http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/2898
  • exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/53691
  • oval.cisecurity.org https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6534
  • cisa.gov https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2009-3459