CVE-2008-4225: Integer overflow in the xmlBufferResize function in libxml2 2.7.2 allows context-dependent attackers to cause

This month

HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-4225 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting libxml. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Integer overflow in the xmlBufferResize function in libxml2 2.7.2 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a large XML document.

Why this priority

High severity

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.2% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-189
Published	2008-11-25
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: xmlsoft

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-11-25 23:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

xmlsoft libxml DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.7.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.7.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy libxml || rpm -q libxml || libxml --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.7.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libxml sudo apt install libxml=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.2> sudo apt-mark hold libxml

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list libxml sudo dnf downgrade libxml-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.2> sudo dnf versionlock add libxml

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2008-4225?

libxml: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-4225 being exploited?

CVE-2008-4225 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2008-4225 affect?

CVE-2008-4225 affects libxml. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Integer overflow in the xmlBufferResize function in libxml2 2.7.2 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a large XML document.

How urgent is CVE-2008-4225?

Priority 49/100. High severity

Software pages

libxml2 vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2015-1819 MEDIUM 5.0 MITIGATE MITIGATE The xmlreader in libxml allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) via crafted
CVE-2011-1944 HIGH 9.3 DOWNGRADE UPGRADE Integer overflow in xpath.c in libxml2 2.6.x through 2.6.32 and 2.7.x through 2.7.8, and libxml 1.8.16 and ear
CVE-2009-2416 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Multiple use-after-free vulnerabilities in libxml2 2.5.10, 2.6.16, 2.6.26, 2.6.27, and 2.6.32, and libxml 1.8.
CVE-2009-2414 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Stack consumption vulnerability in libxml2 2.5.10, 2.6.16, 2.6.26, 2.6.27, and 2.6.32, and libxml 1.8.17, allo
CVE-2008-4226 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Integer overflow in the xmlSAX2Characters function in libxml2 2.7.2 allows context-dependent attackers to caus

References

← Back to latest CVEs