CVE-2009-2993: The JavaScript for Acrobat API in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 7.x before 7.1.4, 8.x before 8.1.7, and 9.x before 9.2 does not properly implement the (1) ...

Description

The JavaScript for Acrobat API in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 7.x before 7.1.4, 8.x before 8.1.7, and 9.x before 9.2 does not properly implement the (1) Privileged Context and (2) Safe Path restrictions for unspecified JavaScript methods, which allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files, and possibly execute arbitrary code, via the cPath parameter in a crafted PDF file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

6.67%

93.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-20

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Adobe	Acrobat	<= 9.1.3
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.1
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.2
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.3
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.4
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.5
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.6
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.7
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.8
Adobe	Acrobat	7.0.9
Adobe	Acrobat	7.1.0
Adobe	Acrobat	7.1.1
Adobe	Acrobat	7.1.3
Adobe	Acrobat	8.0
Adobe	Acrobat	8.1
Adobe	Acrobat	8.1.1
Adobe	Acrobat	8.1.2
Adobe	Acrobat	8.1.3
Adobe	Acrobat	8.1.4
Adobe	Acrobat	8.1.6
Adobe	Acrobat	9.0
Adobe	Acrobat	9.1.1
Adobe	Acrobat	9.1.2
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	<= 9.1.3
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.1
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.2
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.3
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.4
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.5
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.6
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.7
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.8
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.0.9
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.1.0
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.1.1
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	7.1.3
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	8.0
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	8.1
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	8.1.1
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	8.1.2
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	8.1.3
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	8.1.4
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	8.1.5
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	8.1.6
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	9.0
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	9.1
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	9.1.1
Adobe	Acrobat Reader	9.1.2

References

http://securitytracker.com/id?1023007
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-15.htmlPatch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/257117Patch, US Government Resource
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/36638
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/36664
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-286B.htmlPatch, US Government Resource
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/2898Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A5822
http://securitytracker.com/id?1023007
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-15.htmlPatch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/257117Patch, US Government Resource
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/36638
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/36664
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-286B.htmlPatch, US Government Resource
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/2898Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A5822

Timeline

Published: Oct 19, 2009
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2009-2993?

The JavaScript for Acrobat API in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 7.x before 7.1.4, 8.x before 8.1.7, and 9.x before 9.2 does not properly implement the (1) Privileged Context and (2) Safe Path restrictions for unspecified JavaScript methods, which allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files, and possibly execute arbitrary code, via the cPath parameter in a crafted PDF file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.

How severe is CVE-2009-2993?

Severity scoring for CVE-2009-2993 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 6.67% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2009-2993?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

How Strix Helps

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