Vulnerability record · CVE-2008-1087 · published 8 April 2008
CVE-2008-1087: Windows GDI stack buffer overflow via crafted EMF image
Microsoft · Windows Nt
A stack-based buffer overflow exists in the Graphics Device Interface (GDI) of multiple Microsoft Windows versions when processing an EMF image file with crafted filename parameters. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected process, making this a serious remote code execution flaw on unpatched systems.
Description
Stack-based buffer overflow in GDI in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista, and Server 2008 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an EMF image file with crafted filename parameters, aka "GDI Stack Overflow Vulnerability."
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Automated analysis
high priorityRemote code execution with high EPSS and public exploits, though the affected platforms are legacy and a patch has long been available.
What it is
A stack-based buffer overflow exists in the Graphics Device Interface (GDI) of multiple Microsoft Windows versions when processing an EMF image file with crafted filename parameters. Successful exploitation allows arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected process, making this a serious remote code execution flaw on unpatched systems.
Impact
An attacker can execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine, potentially gaining full control of the system depending on the privileges of the process handling the image.
Attack surface
The flaw is reached remotely by delivering a crafted EMF image file to a victim; the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:M/Au:N) indicates no authentication is required but some user interaction or a medium-complexity condition is needed to trigger processing.
Exploitation
The record is not listed in CISA KEV, but EPSS is high (0.566, 99th percentile) and public exploit code exists in Exploit-DB (5442, 6656), indicating active interest and available proof-of-concept exploits.
What to do
- Apply the Microsoft security update MS08-021 immediately on all affected Windows versions.
- Disable or restrict processing of untrusted EMF image files where feasible.
- Enforce least privilege so that image-handling processes run with minimal rights.
- Use email and web filtering to block or quarantine suspicious EMF attachments and downloads.
Detection
- Monitor for processes spawning unexpectedly from image viewers or document handlers that process EMF files.
- Look for crash or exception events in GDI-related modules (e.g., gdi32.dll) correlated with EMF file access.
- Search endpoint logs for EMF files written to temporary or download directories followed by unusual child process creation.
This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.
Affected products
5 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.
References
Track CVE-2008-1087 inside VULONE
Watch it alongside the ransomware crews, C2 infrastructure and forum chatter that reference it, query it through the API and pull it into your SIEM over TAXII.
Related vulnerabilities
Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2008-1087), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.
