CVE-2008-1544

CVE-2008-1544 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 26% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-20.

Key facts

Description

The setRequestHeader method of the XMLHttpRequest object in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, and 7 does not block dangerous HTTP request headers when certain 8-bit character sequences are appended to a header name, which allows remote attackers to (1) conduct HTTP request splitting and HTTP request smuggling attacks via an incorrect Content-Length header, (2) access arbitrary virtual hosts via a modified Host header, (3) bypass referrer restrictions via an incorrect Referer header, and (4) bypass the same-origin policy and obtain sensitive information via a crafted request header.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-1544?
The setRequestHeader method of the XMLHttpRequest object in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, and 7 does not block dangerous HTTP request headers when certain 8-bit character sequences are appended to a header name, which allows remote attackers to (1) conduct HTTP request splitting and HTTP request smuggling attacks via an incorrect Content-Length header, (2) access arbitrary virtual hosts via a modified Host header, (3) bypass referrer restrictions via an incorrect Referer header, and (4) bypass the same-origin policy and obtain sensitive information via a crafted request header.
How severe is CVE-2008-1544?
CVE-2008-1544 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.1, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2008-1544 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 26% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-1544?
CVE-2008-1544 primarily affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-1544?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2008-1544 published?
CVE-2008-1544 was published on 2008-03-28 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (4)

More vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer

All CVEs affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer →

Other CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) vulnerabilities →