CVE-2008-5187
CWE-119Published: November 21, 2008· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Official Description
The load function in the XPM loader for imlib2 1.4.2, and possibly other versions, allows attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted XPM file that triggers a "pointer arithmetic error" and a heap-based buffer overflow, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-2426.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2008-5187 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
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (36)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-119)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2008-5187 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts