CVE-2009-0946: Multiple integer overflows in FreeType 2.3.9 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code v...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2009-0946 is a memory-safety issue in FreeType, a font-rendering library. FreeType 2.3.9 and earlier can mishandle very large values in certain font-related inputs, potentially allowing remote code execution when vulnerable software processes malicious content. Exposure is likely where operating systems, applications, or embedded products include FreeType 2.3.9 or earlier and process untrusted fonts or documents containing font data. Apple, Ubuntu, Red Hat, Mandriva, and Sun references indicate broad downstream packaging concern. Prioritize remediation where FreeType is reachable through user-supplied or internet-sourced content. The age of the CVE lowers surprise risk, but unsupported legacy systems can still carry the vulnerable library. Mitigation focus: Identify FreeType versions in OS packages, applications, containers, and embedded builds.; Apply vendor security updates from the relevant operating system or application supplier.; Prioritize systems that process untrusted files, fonts, documents, or web content..

Prepared

Jun 28, 2026, 11:04 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.