HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2008-5408
CRITICAL

CVE-2008-5408

CWE-119Published: December 10, 2008· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

9.0
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Buffer overflow in the data management protocol in Symantec Backup Exec for Windows Servers 11.0 (aka 11d) builds 6235 and 7170, 12.0 build 1364, and 12.5 build 2213 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors. NOTE: this can be exploited by unauthenticated remote attackers by leveraging CVE-2008-5407.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2008-5408 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:S/C:C/I:C/A:C

Affected Vendors & Products

symantec1 product(s)
backup exec for windows server
Source: NVD CPE · 3 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

PATCHhttp://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2008.11.19.html
PATCHhttp://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/314528.htm
PATCHhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/32346
PATCHhttp://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2008.11.19.html
PATCHhttp://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/314528.htm
PATCHhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/32346
ADVISORYhttp://secunia.com/advisories/32810
ADVISORYhttp://secunia.com/advisories/32810

All References (14)

→
http://secunia.com/advisories/32810Vendor Advisory
→
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2008.11.19.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/314528.htmPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/32346Patch
→
http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1021246
→
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/3209
→
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/46731
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/32810Vendor Advisory
→
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2008.11.19.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/314528.htmPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/32346Patch
→
http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1021246
→
http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/3209
→
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/46731

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2008-5408
CVSS Score9.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-119
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedDec 10, 2008

Related CVEs (CWE-119)

CVE-2007-0460
10.0
CVE-2006-3632
10.0
CVE-2006-6361
10.0
CVE-2006-1368
10.0
CVE-2009-0264
10.0
CVE-2008-6005
10.0

Recommended Actions

  • →Apply vendor patches immediately
  • →Monitor CVE-2008-5408 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. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.
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