CVE-2009-3546: The _gdGetColors function in gd_gd.c in PHP 5.2.11 and 5.3.x before 5.3.1, and the GD Graphics Library 2.x, do

This week

HIGH 9.3DOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2009-3546 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting gd graphics library, php. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The _gdGetColors function in gd_gd.c in PHP 5.2.11 and 5.3.x before 5.3.1, and the GD Graphics Library 2.x, does not properly verify a certain colorsTotal structure member, which might allow remote attackers to conduct buffer overflow or buffer over-read attacks via a crafted GD file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2009-3293. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	10.2% (top 4%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2009-10-19
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: libgd · php

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-10-19 20:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:11 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libgd gd graphics library DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0.33 · 2.0.34 · 2.0.34 rc1 · 2.0.34 rc2 · 2.0.35 · 2.0.35 rc1 · 2.0.35 rc2 · 2.0.35 rc3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.33

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy gd-graphics-library || rpm -q gd-graphics-library || gd-graphics-library --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.33 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gd-graphics-library sudo apt install gd-graphics-library=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.33> sudo apt-mark hold gd-graphics-library

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

dnf --showduplicates list gd-graphics-library sudo dnf downgrade gd-graphics-library-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.33> sudo dnf versionlock add gd-graphics-library

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.

php php DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.2.11 · 5.3.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.2.11

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.2.11 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison php sudo apt install php=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.2.11> sudo apt-mark hold php

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

dnf --showduplicates list php sudo dnf downgrade php-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.2.11> sudo dnf versionlock add php

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.

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-2009-3546?

gd graphics library: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; php: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2009-3546 being exploited?

CVE-2009-3546 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-2009-3546 affect?

CVE-2009-3546 affects gd graphics library, php. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). The _gdGetColors function in gd_gd.c in PHP 5.2.11 and 5.3.x before 5.3.1, and the GD Graphics Library 2.x, does not properly verify a certain colorsTotal structure member, which might allow remote attackers to conduct buffer overflow or bu

How urgent is CVE-2009-3546?

Priority 56/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

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References

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