CVE-2008-4844 Use after free in n/a

Critical 9.3 Published 11 Dec 2008 Updated 7 Aug 2024

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code via crafted HTML or XML documents exploiting a use-after-free flaw in Internet Explorer's mshtml.dll.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2008-4844?

CVE-2008-4844 is a critical use after free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer, published on 11 Dec 2008. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official 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.

Weakness: CWE-399

Which versions are affected by CVE-2008-4844?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Microsoft Internet Explorer.

How do I fix CVE-2008-4844?

No fix has been published for CVE-2008-4844 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.

Is CVE-2008-4844 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2008-4844 exists.

Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module and 3 Exploit-DB entries.

All Microsoft Internet Explorer vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-4h75-mp4x-555f.