How severe is CVE-2008-4841?

CVE-2008-4841 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2008-4841 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 43% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-4841?

CVE-2008-4841 primarily affects Microsoft Wordpad. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-4841?

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-2008-4841 published?

CVE-2008-4841 was published on 2008-12-10 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-4841

CVE-2008-4841 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Wordpad with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 43% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-399.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
EPSS exploit prediction: 43% (99th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-399
Affected product: Microsoft Wordpad
Published: 2008-12-10
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The WordPad Text Converter for Word 97 files in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, and Server 2003 SP1 and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .doc, (2) .wri, or (3) .rtf Word 97 file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in December 2008. NOTE: As of 20081210, it is unclear whether this vulnerability is related to a WordPad issue disclosed on 20080925 with a 2008-crash.doc.rar example, but there are insufficient details to be sure.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-4841?: The WordPad Text Converter for Word 97 files in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, and Server 2003 SP1 and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .doc, (2) .wri, or (3) .rtf Word 97 file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in December 2008. NOTE: As of 20081210, it is unclear whether this vulnerability is related to a WordPad issue disclosed on 20080925 with a 2008-crash.doc.rar example, but there are insufficient details to be sure.
How severe is CVE-2008-4841?: CVE-2008-4841 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2008-4841 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 43% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-4841?: CVE-2008-4841 primarily affects Microsoft Wordpad. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-4841?: 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-2008-4841 published?: CVE-2008-4841 was published on 2008-12-10 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:wordpad:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:wordpad:unknown:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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