CVE-2008-3008
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitStack-based buffer overflow in the WMEncProfileManager ActiveX control in wmex.dll in Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 9 Series allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long first argument to the GetDetailsString method, aka "Windows Media Encoder Buffer Overrun…
Published Sep 10, 2008 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-3008 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Windows Media Encoder (Microsoft), Windows 2000 (Microsoft), Windows 2003 Server (Microsoft) and 2 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 1, 2010. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 55% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v2
9.3
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
55%
Higher than 99.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2008-3008 brief as a PDF
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Description
Stack-based buffer overflow in the WMEncProfileManager ActiveX control in wmex.dll in Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 9 Series allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long first argument to the GetDetailsString method, aka "Windows Media Encoder Buffer Overrun Vulnerability."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | May 1, 2010 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
9 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Media EncoderMicrosoft | 9_series | n/a |
| Windows 2000Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 2003 ServerMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows-NtMicrosoft | xp-sp3 | n/a |
| Windows XpMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 10, 2008
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 1, 2010
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
References
- advisoryVU#996227
- advisory31065
- advisory1020832
- advisoryTA08-253A
- exploitMSF ms08_053_mediaencoder.rb
FAQ
Common Questions.
Stack-based buffer overflow in the WMEncProfileManager ActiveX control in wmex.dll in Microsoft Windows Media Encoder 9 Series allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long first argument to the GetDetailsString method, aka "Windows Media Encoder Buffer Overrun Vulnerability."
Affected: Windows Media Encoder (Microsoft) versions 9_series; Windows 2000 (Microsoft); Windows 2003 Server (Microsoft), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 1, 2010.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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