CVE-2008-4844
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitUse-after-free vulnerability in the CRecordInstance::TransferToDestination function in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, 6 SP1, and 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via DSO bindings involving (1) an XML Island, (2) XML DSOs, or (3) Tabular…
Published Dec 11, 2008 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-4844 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV since Dec 11, 2008. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 67% 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)
67%
Higher than 99.2% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
2 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
Use-after-free vulnerability in the CRecordInstance::TransferToDestination function in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, 6 SP1, and 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via DSO bindings involving (1) an XML Island, (2) XML DSOs, or (3) Tabular Data Control (TDC) in a crafted HTML or XML document, as demonstrated by nested SPAN or MARQUEE elements, and exploited in the wild in December 2008.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 11, 2008 | n/a | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Dec 11, 2008 | 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
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 5.01, 6, 6-sp1, 7 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Dec 11, 2008
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 11, 2008
Added to CIRCL KEV
Dec 11, 2008
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-399
References
- advisoryhttp://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/961051.mspx
- advisoryADV-2008-3391
- patch33089
- exploithttp://isc.sans.org/diary.html?storyid=5458
- exploitMSF ms08_078_xml_corruption.rb
FAQ
Common Questions.
Use-after-free vulnerability in the CRecordInstance::TransferToDestination function in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, 6 SP1, and 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via DSO bindings involving (1) an XML Island, (2) XML DSOs, or (3) Tabular Data Control (TDC) in a crafted HTML or XML…
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 5.01, 6, 6-sp1, 7. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV since Dec 11, 2008.
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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