CVE-2008-2250

CVE-2008-2250 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

• Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (73rd percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-264
• Affected product: Microsoft Windows 2000
• Published: 2008-10-15
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 does not properly validate window properties sent from a parent window to a child window during creation of a new window, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Window Creation Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-2250?

The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 does not properly validate window properties sent from a parent window to a child window during creation of a new window, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Window Creation Vulnerability."

How severe is CVE-2008-2250?

CVE-2008-2250 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2008-2250 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (73rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-2250?

CVE-2008-2250 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 2000. In total, 17 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-2250?

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-2008-2250 published?

CVE-2008-2250 was published on 2008-10-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=122479227205998&w=2
• http://secunia.com/advisories/32247
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/31651
• http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1021046
• http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-288A.html
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/2812
• https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2008/ms08-061
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/45541
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/45544
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A5902

Affected products (17)

• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_2000:*:sp4:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp1:itanium:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp1:x64:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:itanium:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:x32:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:x64:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*:*

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