CVE-2008-4841Wordpad Vulnerability
The WordPad Text Converter for Word 97 files in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, and Server 2003 SP1 and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .doc, (2) .wri, or (3) .rtf Word 97 file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild…
Published Dec 10, 2008 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-4841 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Wordpad (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV, Industry KEV feed since Dec 10, 2008. A public exploit is reported by tracking sources, but no code link is listed yet.
- EPSS estimates a 43% 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)
43%
Higher than 98.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Exploited (KEV)
ATLAS score
56/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Dec 10, 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
3
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
The WordPad Text Converter for Word 97 files in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, and Server 2003 SP1 and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .doc, (2) .wri, or (3) .rtf Word 97 file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in December 2008.
NOTE: As of 20081210, it is unclear whether this vulnerability is related to a WordPad issue disclosed on 20080925 with a 2008-crash.doc.rar example, but there are insufficient details to be sure.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIRCL KEV | Dec 10, 2008 | n/a | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 10, 2008 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| WordpadMicrosoft | unknown | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Dec 10, 2008
Added to CIRCL KEV
Dec 10, 2008
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 10, 2008
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-399
References
- advisory32997
- advisorymicrosoft.com · 960906.mspx
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitmilw0rm.com · 2008-crash.doc.rar
FAQ
Common Questions.
The WordPad Text Converter for Word 97 files in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, and Server 2003 SP1 and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .doc, (2) .wri, or (3) .rtf Word 97 file that triggers memory corruption, as exploited in the wild in December 2008.
Affected: Wordpad (Microsoft) versions unknown. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV, Industry KEV feed since Dec 10, 2008.
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.
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-2008-4841 On Your Attack Surface?
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