---
id: "CVE-2009-3459"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2009-3459"]
title: "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\u2026"
severity: "critical"
cvss: 9.3
epss: null
exploited: true
status: "open"
category: "package"
products: [{"name": "Adobe Acrobat and Reader", "fixed": [], "affected": "", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "adobe acrobat", "fixed": ["7.1.4"], "affected": ">= 7.0, < 7.1.4", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "adobe acrobat", "fixed": ["8.1.7"], "affected": ">= 8.0, < 8.1.7", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "adobe acrobat", "fixed": ["9.2"], "affected": ">= 9.0, < 9.2", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "adobe acrobat reader", "fixed": ["7.1.4"], "affected": ">= 7.0, < 7.1.4", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "adobe acrobat reader", "fixed": ["8.1.7"], "affected": ">= 8.0, < 8.1.7", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "adobe acrobat reader", "fixed": ["9.2"], "affected": ">= 9.0, < 9.2", "ecosystem": "vendor"}]
ecosystems: ["vendor"]
tags: ["acrobat", "adobe-reader", "exploited", "macos", "package", "windows"]
not_affected_if: ["product-not-installed"]
published_at: "2009-10-13T10:30:00+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-23T23:44:51+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "kev", "url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2009-3459", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00"}, {"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2009-3459", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T23:44:51+00:00"}]
---

# 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…

A heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Acrobat and Reader lets a remote attacker run arbitrary code by getting a victim to open a crafted PDF. CISA lists it as actively exploited in the wild.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## Affected

- vendor:Adobe Acrobat and Reader affected ? fixed ?
- vendor:adobe acrobat affected >= 7.0, < 7.1.4 fixed 7.1.4
- vendor:adobe acrobat affected >= 8.0, < 8.1.7 fixed 8.1.7
- vendor:adobe acrobat affected >= 9.0, < 9.2 fixed 9.2
- vendor:adobe acrobat reader affected >= 7.0, < 7.1.4 fixed 7.1.4
- vendor:adobe acrobat reader affected >= 8.0, < 8.1.7 fixed 8.1.7
- vendor:adobe acrobat reader affected >= 9.0, < 9.2 fixed 9.2

## How to check

Check the installed Acrobat or Reader version under Help > About; the affected and fixed version ranges are unknown in the sources.

## Fix

Update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to a currently supported release, or remove the product if mitigations are unavailable, per the CISA required action.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00 kev https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2009-3459
- 2026-10-23T23:44:51+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2009-3459

## From the sources

Adobe Acrobat and Reader contain a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability which could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file that triggers memory corruption.

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.

---

_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_