// CVE

CVE-2009-3459

High 8.8 Exploited (KEV)

n/a n/a

8.8CVSS
87%EPSS
YesCISA KEV

Summary

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 wil…

Published: 2009-10-13 · In KEV since: 2026-05-20

Analysis

🔴 Critical — actively exploited

How it's exploited: Exploitable over the network (internet-reachable), unauthenticated, if the victim interacts (open a file/click), and with low complexity.

Impact: Full compromise (confidentiality, integrity and availability).

Status: Active exploitation confirmed by CISA (KEV).

How to defend:
  • Patch now: it is in CISA's actively-exploited catalog (KEV), with a deadline.
  • Reduce exposure: keep it off the internet; firewall, VPN or network segmentation.
  • Awareness: the attack needs victim interaction (phishing/file).
  • Detect: turn this CVE into detection rules.

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

The vector encodes how it's exploited (translated above, in the analysis). Break it down in the CVSS tool →

🔗 NVD record CISA KEV 🌉 CVE → detection 🎯 Am I exposed? ⚖️ Prioritize patch

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Sources: CISA KEV · EPSS · FIRST.org · NVD. Analysis derived from the CVSS vector and exploitation status (no AI). Informational; always verify against the vendor's official advisory.