Is CVE-2009-0259 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2009-0259, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2009-0259 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2009-0259 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2009-0259?

CVE-2009-0259 has a CVSS score of 9.3 (CRITICAL).

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CRITICALPOC

CVE-2009-0259

CWE-399Published: January 22, 2009· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

9.3

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The Word processor in OpenOffice.org 1.1.2 through 1.1.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .doc, (2) .wri, or (3) .rtf Word 97 file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in December 2008, as demonstrated by 2008-crash.doc.rar, and a similar issue to CVE-2008-4841.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2009-0259 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2009-0259. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.