Is CVE-2009-2793 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2009-2793, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2009-2793 be exploited remotely?

No. CVE-2009-2793 requires local access to exploit.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2009-2793?

CVE-2009-2793 has a CVSS score of 4.6 (MEDIUM).

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MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2009-2793

CWE-264Published: September 18, 2009· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

4.6

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The kernel in NetBSD, probably 5.0.1 and earlier, on x86 platforms does not properly handle a pre-commit failure of the iret instruction, which might allow local users to gain privileges via vectors related to a tempEIP pseudocode variable that is outside of the code-segment limits.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2009-2793 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.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2009-2793. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.