CVE-2009-1786

6.9 MEDIUM 0.7% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

The malloc subsystem in libc in IBM AIX 5.3 and 6.1 allows local users to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the log file associated with the MALLOCDEBUG environment variable.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2009-05-26 15:30 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-16 23:08 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 6.9 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2009-05-26 15:30 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-16 23:08 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.7% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-362 · Race condition
Record status: Modified

Affected

IBM Aix 5.3
IBM Aix 6.1

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 6.9

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Medium
Authentication: None
Confidentiality: Complete
Integrity: Complete
Availability: Complete

Raw vector

AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2009-1786.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2009-1786. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record