CVE-2008-5178: Heap-based buffer overflow in Opera 9.62 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a lo

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HIGH 9.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-5178 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting opera. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in Opera 9.62 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long file:// URI. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2008-5680.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	31.5% (top 2%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2008-11-20
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: opera

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-11-20 15:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:59 UTCUpdated Record last modified

opera opera DOWNGRADE

Affected: 9.62

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.62

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 9.62 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison opera sudo apt install opera=<VERSION_BEFORE_9.62> sudo apt-mark hold opera

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

dnf --showduplicates list opera sudo dnf downgrade opera-<VERSION_BEFORE_9.62> sudo dnf versionlock add opera

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Opera 9.62 - 'file://' Local Heap Overflow

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-2008-5178?

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

Is CVE-2008-5178 being exploited?

CVE-2008-5178 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-2008-5178 affect?

CVE-2008-5178 affects opera. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). Heap-based buffer overflow in Opera 9.62 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long file:// URI. NOTE: this might overlap CVE-2008-5680.

How urgent is CVE-2008-5178?

Priority 62/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

Windows vulnerabilities

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References

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