CVE-2009-3953
Adobe Acrobat and Reader Universal 3D Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2009-3953 is a remote code execution vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader caused by an array boundary issue in the Universal 3D (U3D) support component. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by delivering a crafted PDF document containing malicious U3D 3D model data that triggers an out-of-bounds array access. CISA has added CVE-2009-3953 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. With an EPSS score of 90.5% (99th percentile), this vulnerability has an extremely high probability of exploitation.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| adobe | acrobat | >= 7.0, < 7.1.4; >= 8.0, < 8.2; >= 9.0, < 9.3 |
| suse | linux enterprise debuginfo | 11 |
| opensuse | opensuse | 11.1; 11.2 |
| suse | linux enterprise | 10.0 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2010-01/msg00009.html(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://osvdb.org/61690(Broken Link)
- http://secunia.com/advisories/38138(Broken Link)
- http://secunia.com/advisories/38215(Broken Link)
- http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb10-02.html(Not Applicable, Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- http://www.metasploit.com/modules/exploit/windows/fileformat/adobe_u3d_meshdecl(Third Party Advisory)
- http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2010-0060.html(Broken Link)
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/37758(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1023446(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-013A.html(Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2010/0103(Broken Link, Vendor Advisory)
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=554293(Issue Tracking)
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/55551(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A8242(Broken Link)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2009-3953(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write
CVE-2009-3953 exploits an out-of-bounds write condition in Adobe Acrobat and Reader's Universal 3D (U3D) processing component, where an array boundary error allows crafted 3D data to write beyond the allocated buffer limits. This corrupts adjacent memory and enables the attacker to redirect program execution to arbitrary code.
Learn more: CWE-787 — Out-of-bounds Write
Impact Analysis
CVE-2009-3953 is remotely exploitable through a crafted PDF document containing malicious U3D data. An attacker needs only to deliver the malicious PDF via email, web download, or file sharing — no authentication is required, and the only user interaction needed is opening the document. Successful exploitation leads to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Adobe Reader or Acrobat process. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all at full risk, as the attacker can steal sensitive data, install persistent malware, or completely compromise the system. The EPSS score of 90.5% (99th percentile) indicates near-certain exploitation activity, and the widespread use of PDF documents in business environments makes this vulnerability a prime target for both targeted and opportunistic attacks.
Exploit Maturity
CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2009-3953 in the wild by adding it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on June 8, 2022. The EPSS score of 90.5% places this vulnerability in the 99th percentile, indicating an extremely high probability of exploitation. The U3D component in Adobe Reader and Acrobat has historically been a rich source of exploitable vulnerabilities, and CVE-2009-3953 was actively used in targeted attack campaigns. No specific ransomware association has been reported, but the reliable remote code execution through PDF documents makes it attractive for advanced persistent threat operations.
Remediation
- Apply Adobe security updates immediately: Install the latest patches for Adobe Acrobat and Reader as directed by the CISA KEV required action to address the U3D array boundary vulnerability.
- Upgrade to a current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: Ensure all systems run a supported version with modern memory protection features and Protected Mode sandboxing.
- Disable 3D content rendering in Adobe Reader: Configure Adobe Reader to disable the processing of U3D and 3D content in PDF files, eliminating the attack vector without affecting standard PDF functionality.
- Enable Protected Mode and Protected View: Activate Adobe Reader's sandbox to isolate the rendering process and contain potential exploitation.
- Implement PDF content inspection at network boundaries: Deploy scanning for known U3D exploit signatures in PDF files at email gateways and web proxies to intercept malicious documents before they reach endpoints.
Technical Details
CVE-2009-3953 is a vulnerability in the Universal 3D (U3D) processing component of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, caused by an array boundary error in the handling of 3D model data embedded in PDF documents. When the U3D parser processes crafted 3D data structures, it fails to properly validate array indices, resulting in an out-of-bounds write that corrupts adjacent memory. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-787, as the root cause is writing data beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The out-of-bounds write can corrupt function pointers, vtable entries, or heap metadata, enabling the attacker to redirect program execution to shellcode or ROP gadgets embedded in the PDF. The U3D parsing code processes complex binary structures with multiple interrelated data fields, and the array boundary error occurs when a size or index field is not properly validated against the allocated array dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2009-3953 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation by adding CVE-2009-3953 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS score of 90.5% in the 99th percentile indicates near-certain exploitation. The U3D component has been a frequent target for attackers.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-3953?
CVE-2009-3953 affects Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader, specifically the Universal 3D (U3D) rendering component. Multiple versions of both products are vulnerable, and users should update to the latest supported version.
How do I fix CVE-2009-3953?
Update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to the latest patched version. Disable 3D content rendering in Adobe Reader preferences and enable Protected Mode sandboxing to contain potential exploitation.
How severe is CVE-2009-3953?
CVE-2009-3953 is a critically severe vulnerability with an EPSS score in the 99th percentile. The array boundary error in U3D processing enables reliable remote code execution through malicious PDF documents, presenting a significant risk to any organization using Adobe Reader or Acrobat.
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