Is CVE-2008-5881 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2008-5881, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2008-5881 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2008-5881 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2008-5881?

CVE-2008-5881 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH).

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HIGHPOC

CVE-2008-5881

CWE-22Published: January 9, 2009· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

7.5

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in playSMS 0.9.3 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the (1) gateway_module parameter to plugin/gateway/gnokii/init.php and the (2) themes_module parameter to plugin/themes/default/init.php.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2008-5881 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.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2008-5881. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.