CRITICAL
CVE-2008-4478
CWE-189Published: October 14, 2008· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
10.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Multiple integer overflows in dhost.exe in Novell eDirectory 8.8 before 8.8.3, and 8.73 before 8.7.3.10 ftf1, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) Content-Length header in a SOAP request or (2) Netware Core Protocol opcode 0x0F message, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2008-4478 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.
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
novell1 product(s)
edirectory
Source: NVD CPE · 10 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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Rapid7 / Metasploit
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PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
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Official Patches & Advisories
All References (28)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2008-4478
CVSS Score10.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-189
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 14, 2008
Related CVEs (CWE-189)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2008-4478 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.