CVE-2009-3871: Heap-based buffer overflow in the setBytePixels function in the Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) in Java Runti...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2009-3871 is an old but serious Java vulnerability. A flaw in Java’s AWT image pixel handling could let a remote attacker run code if a vulnerable Java runtime processes crafted input. The main business risk is legacy Java on desktops or servers that never received the 2009 updates. Exposure is most likely in legacy environments running obsolete Sun Java SE/JRE/JDK versions, especially systems that still execute Java GUI, applet, or AWT-related content. Current standard Java deployments are unlikely to be affected if vendor security updates were applied. Prioritize remediation where legacy Java is still installed on user-facing desktops or business-critical systems. This is a remote code execution issue, but urgency depends on whether vulnerable runtimes remain in use. Mitigation focus: Inventory Java runtimes and identify versions listed as vulnerable in the CVE description.; Upgrade JDK/JRE 5.0 to Update 22 or later, or JDK/JRE 6 to Update 17 or later.; For 1.3.x or 1.4.x, apply the fixed vendor updates or remove the runtime..

Prepared

Jun 28, 2026, 18:15 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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