CVE-2009-3294

What it is

The popen API function in TSRM/tsrm_win32.c in PHP before 5.2.11 and 5.3.x before 5.3.1, when running on certain Windows operating systems, allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted (1) "e" or (2) "er" string in the second argument (aka mode), possibly related to the _fdopen function in the Microsoft C runtime library. NOTE: this might not cross privilege boundaries except in rare cases in which the mode argument is accessible to an attacker outside of an application that uses the popen function.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

2.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2009-09-22 10:30 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:11 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.0 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2009-09-22 10:30 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:11 UTC

Exploit probability

2.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-134

Record status

Modified

Affected

• PHP < 5.2.11
• PHP < 5.3.1

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 5.0

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

Partial

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-2009-3294.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2009-3294. 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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