CVE-2008-5538

Name: CVE-2008-5538
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2008-12-12T18:30:03.017+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 1.94%

Last modified Jun 16, 2026

CVE-2008-5538 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. Prevx Prevx1 2, when Internet Explorer 6 or 7 is used, allows remote attackers to bypass detection of malware in an HTML document by placing an MZ header (aka "EXE info") at the beginning, and modifying the filename to have (1) no extension, (2) a .txt extension, or (3) a .jpg extension, as demonstrated by a document containing a CVE-2006-5745 exploit.. EPSS estimates a 1.94% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Prevx Prevx1 2, when Internet Explorer 6 or 7 is used, allows remote attackers to bypass detection of malware in an HTML document by placing an MZ header (aka "EXE info") at the beginning, and modifying the filename to have (1) no extension, (2) a .txt extension, or (3) a .jpg extension, as demonstrated by a document containing a CVE-2006-5745 exploit.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

1.94%

77.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-20

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Prevx	Prevx1	2

References

Timeline

Published: Dec 12, 2008
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2008-5538?

How severe is CVE-2008-5538?

Severity scoring for CVE-2008-5538 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 1.94% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2008-5538?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2008-5538?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST