CVE-2008-4268

What it is

The Windows Search component in Microsoft Windows Vista Gold and SP1 and Server 2008 does not properly free memory during a save operation for a Windows Search file, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted saved-search file, aka "Windows Saved Search Vulnerability."

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a login. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

20.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2008-09-25 00:00 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2008-12-10 14:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 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: 20.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 8.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2008-12-10 14:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:57 UTC

Exploit probability

20.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-399

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Microsoft Windows Server 2008
• Microsoft Windows Vista

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 8.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

Single

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-2008-4268.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2008-4268. 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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