CVE-2008-3648Windows Xp Code Injection
nslookup.exe in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, as demonstrated by an attempted DNS zone transfer, and as exploited in the wild in August 2008.
Published Aug 12, 2008 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-3648 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Windows Xp (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV, Industry KEV feed since Aug 12, 2008. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 22% 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.
Scores
CVSS v2
9.3
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
22%
Higher than 97.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Exploited (KEV)
ATLAS score
47/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Aug 12, 2008
0 days after publication
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Exploited (KEV)
Public exploit code
0
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
2
Reports of active use
Description
nslookup.exe in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, as demonstrated by an attempted DNS zone transfer, and as exploited in the wild in August 2008.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIRCL KEV | Aug 12, 2008 | n/a | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Aug 12, 2008 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows XpMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 12, 2008
Added to CIRCL KEV
Aug 12, 2008
Added to Industry KEV feed
Aug 12, 2008
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitnullcode.com.ar · nsloo.htm
- otherpacketstormsecurity.org · Nslookup-Crash.txt
- otherwin-nslookup-code-execution(44423)
- other30636
FAQ
Common Questions.
nslookup.exe in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, as demonstrated by an attempted DNS zone transfer, and as exploited in the wild in August 2008.
Affected: Windows Xp (Microsoft). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV, Industry KEV feed since Aug 12, 2008.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
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.
Is CVE-2008-3648 On Your Attack Surface?
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