MEDIUM
CVE-2009-0538
CWE-134Published: March 18, 2009· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
4.6
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Format string vulnerability in Symantec pcAnywhere before 12.5 SP1 allows local users to read and modify arbitrary memory locations, and cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact, via format string specifiers in the pathname of a remote control file (aka .CHF file).
Technical Analysis
CVE-2009-0538 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityP
IntegrityP
AvailabilityP
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
symantec1 product(s)
pcanywhere
Source: NVD CPE · 9 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (18)
→
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2009.03.17.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.layereddefense.com/pcanywhere17mar.htmlVendor Advisory
→
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2009.03.17.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.layereddefense.com/pcanywhere17mar.htmlVendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2009-0538
CVSS Score4.6 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-134
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedMar 18, 2009
Related CVEs (CWE-134)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2009-0538 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.