CVE-2008-4864

CVE-2008-4864 is a high-severity vulnerability in Python with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. 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-190.

Key facts

• Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.5)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 21% (97th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-190
• Affected product: Python
• Published: 2008-11-01
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Multiple integer overflows in imageop.c in the imageop module in Python 1.5.2 through 2.5.1 allow context-dependent attackers to break out of the Python VM and execute arbitrary code via large integer values in certain arguments to the crop function, leading to a buffer overflow, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-4965 and CVE-2008-1679.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-4864?

Multiple integer overflows in imageop.c in the imageop module in Python 1.5.2 through 2.5.1 allow context-dependent attackers to break out of the Python VM and execute arbitrary code via large integer values in certain arguments to the crop function, leading to a buffer overflow, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-4965 and CVE-2008-1679.

How severe is CVE-2008-4864?

CVE-2008-4864 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2008-4864 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-2008-4864?

CVE-2008-4864 affects Python. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-4864?

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-2008-4864 published?

CVE-2008-4864 was published on 2008-11-01 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://lists.apple.com/archives/security-announce/2009/Feb/msg00000.html
• http://scary.beasts.org/security/CESA-2008-008.html
• http://secunia.com/advisories/33937
• http://secunia.com/advisories/37471
• http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3438
• http://svn.python.org/view/python/trunk/Modules/imageop.c?rev=66689&view=diff&r1=66689&r2=66688&p1=python/trunk/Modules/imageop.c&p2=/python/trunk/Modules/imageop.c
• http://svn.python.org/view?rev=66689&view=rev
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/27/2
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2008/10/29/3
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/507985/100/0/threaded
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/31932
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/31976
• http://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2009-0016.html
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/3316
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/46606
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A10702
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A8354

Affected products (1)

• cpe:2.3:a:python:python:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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