CVE-2008-0015: Microsoft Windows High-Severity Vulnerability

What is CVE-2008-0015?

Stack-based buffer overflow in the CComVariant::ReadFromStream function in the Active Template Library (ATL), as used in the MPEG2TuneRequest ActiveX control in msvidctl.dll in DirectShow, in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, and Server 2008 Gold and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web page, as exploited in the wild in July 2009, aka "Microsoft Video ActiveX Control Vulnerability."

Technical Analysis

Weakness Classification

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-119 — Buffer Overflow. Operations on a memory buffer occur outside its intended boundaries, potentially leading to crashes, data corruption, or arbitrary code execution.

Attack Vector Breakdown

• Attack Vector: Network
• Attack Complexity: Low
• Privileges Required: None
• User Interaction: Required
• Scope: Unchanged
• Confidentiality: High
• Integrity: High
• Availability: High

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability is exploitable over the network, meaning any system reachable via the internet or internal network is potentially at risk without physical access. The attack complexity is low, meaning exploitation does not depend on specialized conditions or race windows. Successful exploitation can result in full confidentiality breach (complete data disclosure), complete integrity compromise (data modification or code execution), total availability loss (denial of service). Operations on a memory buffer occur outside its intended boundaries, potentially leading to crashes, data corruption, or arbitrary code execution.

Exploitation Probability (EPSS): 81.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (99th percentile). This places the vulnerability in the highest risk tier — immediate action is critical.

Is CVE-2008-0015 being exploited?

Yes. CVE-2008-0015 is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, restricted to CVEs with confirmed active exploitation in the wild. CISA added this vulnerability on 2026-02-17. Inclusion in KEV triggers the patching mandate under BOD 22-01 for U.S. federal civilian agencies, with a remediation deadline of 2026-03-10.

How to fix CVE-2008-0015

Apply the latest security update via Windows Update, WSUS, or Microsoft Update Catalog. For enterprise environments, use SCCM/Intune for managed deployment. If the patch cannot be applied immediately, check the MSRC advisory for workarounds such as registry-based mitigations or disabling affected features. Check the Microsoft Security Response Center page for the specific patch or update. CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog requires U.S. federal agencies to remediate this vulnerability by the due date shown below under Binding Operational Directive 22-01. Private organizations should treat KEV entries as priority-one patches because active exploitation has been confirmed in the wild.

Related Vulnerabilities

Other actively exploited vulnerabilities affecting Windows or sharing the same weakness (CWE-119):

• CVE-2008-4250 (Critical 9.8) [same product] — The Server service in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003…
• CVE-2026-32202 (Medium 4.3) [same product] — Protection mechanism failure in Windows Shell allows an unauthorized attacker…
• CVE-2025-60710 (High 7.8) [same product] — Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Host Process…
• CVE-2023-36424 (High 7.8) [same product] — Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
• CVE-2026-21513 (High 8.8) [same product] — Protection mechanism failure in MSHTML Framework allows an unauthorized…

Frequently asked questions

Is CVE-2008-0015 critical?

CVE-2008-0015 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 — High severity. It should be treated as a priority patch, especially given the active exploitation confirmed by CISA.

Is CVE-2008-0015 being actively exploited?

Yes — CISA added CVE-2008-0015 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-02-17. Inclusion in KEV means CISA has confirmed in-the-wild exploitation.

How do I patch CVE-2008-0015?

Apply the security update from Microsoft for Windows. Federal agencies must remediate by 2026-03-10 under BOD 22-01. Refer to the Microsoft Security Response Center for the official patch.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2008-0015?

CVE-2008-0015 is classified under CWE-119 (Buffer Overflow). Operations on a memory buffer occur outside its intended boundaries, potentially leading to crashes, data corruption, or arbitrary code execution.

What is the CVSS score for CVE-2008-0015?

CVE-2008-0015 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, classifying it as High severity. The attack vector is Network, attack complexity is Low, and no privileges are required.