How severe is CVE-2008-4268?

CVE-2008-4268 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 8.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2008-4268 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 21% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-4268?

CVE-2008-4268 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2008. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-4268?

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-2008-4268 published?

CVE-2008-4268 was published on 2008-12-10 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-4268

CVE-2008-4268 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 8.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 21% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-399.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 8.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 21% (97th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-399
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Published: 2008-12-10
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The Windows Search component in Microsoft Windows Vista Gold and SP1 and Server 2008 does not properly free memory during a save operation for a Windows Search file, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted saved-search file, aka "Windows Saved Search Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-4268?: The Windows Search component in Microsoft Windows Vista Gold and SP1 and Server 2008 does not properly free memory during a save operation for a Windows Search file, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted saved-search file, aka "Windows Saved Search Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2008-4268?: CVE-2008-4268 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 8.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2008-4268 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 21% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-4268?: CVE-2008-4268 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2008. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-4268?: 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-2008-4268 published?: CVE-2008-4268 was published on 2008-12-10 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (7)

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:*:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:gold:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*

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