CRITICAL
CVE-2009-3603
CWE-189Published: October 21, 2009· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
9.3
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Integer overflow in the SplashBitmap::SplashBitmap function in Xpdf 3.x before 3.02pl4 and Poppler before 0.12.1 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF document that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2009-1188.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2009-3603 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.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityM
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Affected Vendors & Products
foolabs1 product(s)
xpdf
glyphandcog1 product(s)
xpdfreader
poppler1 product(s)
poppler
Source: NVD CPE · 58 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 (70)
→
http://poppler.freedesktop.org/Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/37034Vendor Advisory
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/37053Vendor Advisory
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/37054Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2009-3603
CVSS Score9.3 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-189
CISA KEVNo
Affected3 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 21, 2009
Related CVEs (CWE-189)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2009-3603 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.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.