CVE-2009-1284: Buffer overflow in BibTeX 0.99 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corrupt

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MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2009-1284 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting bibtex. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in BibTeX 0.99 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and crash) via a long .bib bibliography file.

Why this priority

EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	11.9% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2009-04-09
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: bibtex

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-04-09 16:27 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:06 UTCUpdated Record last modified

bibtex bibtex DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.99

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.99

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy bibtex || rpm -q bibtex || bibtex --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.99 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison bibtex sudo apt install bibtex=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.99> sudo apt-mark hold bibtex

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list bibtex sudo dnf downgrade bibtex-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.99> sudo dnf versionlock add bibtex

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: BibTeX - '.bib' File Handling Memory Corruption

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2009-1284?

bibtex: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2009-1284 being exploited?

CVE-2009-1284 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2009-1284 affect?

CVE-2009-1284 affects bibtex. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). Buffer overflow in BibTeX 0.99 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and crash) via a long .bib bibliography file.

How urgent is CVE-2009-1284?

Priority 47/100. EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

References

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