CVE-2007-0038

CVE-2007-0038 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 73% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the animated cursor code in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 through Vista allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (persistent reboot) via a large length value in the second (or later) anih block of a RIFF .ANI, cur, or .ico file, which results in memory corruption when processing cursors, animated cursors, and icons, a variant of CVE-2005-0416, as originally demonstrated using Internet Explorer 6 and 7. NOTE: this might be a duplicate of CVE-2007-1765; if so, then CVE-2007-0038 should be preferred.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2007-0038?
Stack-based buffer overflow in the animated cursor code in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 through Vista allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (persistent reboot) via a large length value in the second (or later) anih block of a RIFF .ANI, cur, or .ico file, which results in memory corruption when processing cursors, animated cursors, and icons, a variant of CVE-2005-0416, as originally demonstrated using Internet Explorer 6 and 7. NOTE: this might be a duplicate of CVE-2007-1765; if so, then CVE-2007-0038 should be preferred.
How severe is CVE-2007-0038?
CVE-2007-0038 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2007-0038 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 73% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2007-0038?
CVE-2007-0038 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 2000. In total, 14 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2007-0038?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2007-0038 published?
CVE-2007-0038 was published on 2007-03-30 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (14)

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