CVE-2008-4038

CVE-2008-4038 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 39% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

Description

Buffer underflow in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Server Message Block (SMB) request that contains a filename with a crafted length, aka "SMB Buffer Underflow Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-4038?
Buffer underflow in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Server Message Block (SMB) request that contains a filename with a crafted length, aka "SMB Buffer Underflow Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2008-4038?
CVE-2008-4038 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2008-4038 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 39% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-4038?
CVE-2008-4038 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-2008-4038?
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-2008-4038 published?
CVE-2008-4038 was published on 2008-10-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (17)

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