That’s not a bug. In Survival Test 0.24_03, TNT only explodes if you hit it with a flint and steel OR a redstone torch. You cannot use levers or buttons.
Unlike today’s endless sandbox, this version featured a score counter in the top right corner that increased as you killed mobs. How to Install and Play minecraft 024 survival test 03 install
4.1 Obtain the Test Build
Why is this specific version hard to install? Because Mojang did not retroactively add Survival Test to the official "Historical Versions" section of the Minecraft Launcher. You cannot select it from a dropdown menu. That’s not a bug
Use Betacraft launcher → choose Classic → Survival Test for the real 2009 experience. minecraft 024 survival test 03 install
4.5 Configure Launch Options