How severe is CVE-2008-3638?

CVE-2008-3638 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2008-3638 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (87th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-3638?

CVE-2008-3638 primarily affects Apple Mac Os X. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-3638?

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-2008-3638 published?

CVE-2008-3638 was published on 2008-09-26 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-3638

CVE-2008-3638 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Apple Mac Os X with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. 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-94.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (87th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-94
Affected product: Apple Mac Os X
Published: 2008-09-26
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Java on Apple Mac OS X 10.5.4 and 10.5.5 does not prevent applets from accessing file:// URLs, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-3638?: Java on Apple Mac OS X 10.5.4 and 10.5.5 does not prevent applets from accessing file:// URLs, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs.
How severe is CVE-2008-3638?: CVE-2008-3638 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2008-3638 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (87th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-3638?: CVE-2008-3638 primarily affects Apple Mac Os X. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-3638?: 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-2008-3638 published?: CVE-2008-3638 was published on 2008-09-26 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:10.5.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:10.5.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x_server:10.5.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x_server:10.5.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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