CVE-2008-4261

What it is

Stack-based buffer overflow in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 SP4, 6 SP1 on Windows 2000, and 6 on Windows XP and Server 2003 does not properly handle extraneous data associated with an object embedded in a web page, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted HTML tags that trigger memory corruption, aka "HTML Rendering Memory Corruption Vulnerability."

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

29.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2008-12-10 14:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:57 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 29.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.3 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2008-12-10 14:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:57 UTC

Exploit probability

29.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-399

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 9.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Complete

Integrity

Complete

Availability

Complete

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2008-4261.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2008-4261. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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