HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2008-4038
CRITICAL

CVE-2008-4038

CWE-119Published: October 15, 2008· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

10.0
CVSS v3.1

Official 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."

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2008-4038 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-119): Buffer overflow vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service by corrupting adjacent memory.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

Affected Vendors & Products

Microsoft5 product(s)
windows 2000windows server 2003windows server 2008windows vistawindows xp
Source: NVD CPE · 6 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (20)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2008-4038
CVSS Score10.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-119
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 15, 2008

Related CVEs (CWE-119)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2008-4038 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.