CVE-2008-3529Libxml2 Memory Corruption
Heap-based buffer overflow in the xmlParseAttValueComplex function in parser.c in libxml2 before 2.7.0 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via a long XML entity name.
Published Sep 12, 2008 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2008-3529, DSA-1654-1
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-3529 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v2) affecting Safari (Apple), Libxml2 (Xmlsoft), Iphone OS (Apple) and 6 more products.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
- EPSS estimates a 23% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Iphone OS 3.0, Mac OS X 10.5.7, Safari 4.0.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
10.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
23%
Higher than 97.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
43/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2008-3529
- advisoryAPPLE-SA-2009-06-17-1
- advisoryAPPLE-SA-2009-05-12
- advisorySUSE-SR:2008:018
- advisoryRHSA-2008:0884
- advisoryRHSA-2008:0886
Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in the xmlParseAttValueComplex function in parser.c in libxml2 before 2.7.0 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via a long XML entity name.
Affected Products
32 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| SafariApple | See advisory | 4.0 |
| Libxml2Xmlsoft | See advisory | 2.7.0 |
| Iphone OSApple | See advisory | 3.0 |
| Mac OS XApple | 10.5.7 | 10.5.7 |
| Ubuntu LinuxCanonical | 6.06, 7.04, 7.10, 8.04, 8.10, 9.04 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Iphone OS
3.0
Mac OS X
10.5.7
Safari
4.0
Libxml2
0:2.6.16-12.5, 2.6.26-2.1.2.6.0.1, 2.6.27.dfsg-5, 2.6.32.dfsg-4, 2.7.0
libxml2-devel
2.6.26-2.1.2.6.0.1
libxml2-python
2.6.26-2.1.2.6.0.1
rootio-libxml2
2.6.32.dfsg-4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 12, 2008
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
- CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow
References
- advisorysecurity-tracker.debian.org · CVE-2008-3529
- advisoryAPPLE-SA-2009-06-17-1
- advisoryAPPLE-SA-2009-05-12
- advisorySUSE-SR:2008:018
- advisoryRHSA-2008:0884
FAQ
Common Questions.
Heap-based buffer overflow in the xmlParseAttValueComplex function in parser.c in libxml2 before 2.7.0 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via a long XML entity name.
Affected: Safari (Apple); Libxml2 (Xmlsoft); Iphone OS (Apple), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
Fixed versions are available, including Iphone OS 3.0, Mac OS X 10.5.7, Safari 4.0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2008-3529 On Your Attack Surface?
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