How severe is CVE-2008-4281?

CVE-2008-4281 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2008-4281 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (77th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-4281?

CVE-2008-4281 primarily affects Vmware Esx. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-4281?

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-2008-4281 published?

CVE-2008-4281 was published on 2008-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-4281

CVE-2008-4281 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Vmware Esx 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-22.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (77th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-22
Affected product: Vmware Esx
Published: 2008-11-10
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Directory traversal vulnerability in VMWare ESXi 3.5 before ESXe350-200810401-O-UG and ESX 3.5 before ESX350-200810201-UG allows administrators with the Datastore.FileManagement privilege to gain privileges via unknown vectors.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-4281?: Directory traversal vulnerability in VMWare ESXi 3.5 before ESXe350-200810401-O-UG and ESX 3.5 before ESX350-200810201-UG allows administrators with the Datastore.FileManagement privilege to gain privileges via unknown vectors.
How severe is CVE-2008-4281?: CVE-2008-4281 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2008-4281 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (77th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-4281?: CVE-2008-4281 primarily affects Vmware Esx. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-4281?: 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-2008-4281 published?: CVE-2008-4281 was published on 2008-11-10 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:vmware:esx:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:esxi:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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