CVE-2008-3013: Microsoft GDI+ GIF parsing flaw allows remote code execution

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 20 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityRemote code execution with no authentication required and a very high EPSS score, though the flaw is old and a vendor patch has long existed.

What it is

GDI+ (gdiplus.dll) mishandles malformed GIF files that contain many graphic control extension markers followed by unknown labels, causing memory corruption. Because GDI+ is used across Internet Explorer, Windows, Office, Visio, SQL Server Reporting Services and other products, a single crafted image can reach a very wide install base. The record does not specify the exact memory-safety defect beyond CWE-399 (resource management).

Impact

A remote attacker can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected process, giving full control of confidentiality, integrity and availability per the CVSS vector. In browser or document contexts this typically means code execution as the logged-on user.

Attack surface

Reached by delivering a malformed GIF to any application that renders images through GDI+, including web browsing and document/image viewing. The vector AV:N/AC:M/Au:N indicates no authentication is required and only user interaction such as viewing a page or opening a file is needed.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV and no ransomware associations are recorded, but EPSS is high at 0.52 (99th percentile), indicating substantial predicted exploitation activity. Reference tags are limited to vendor and US Government advisories, with no public exploit tag supplied.

What to do

• Apply Microsoft security bulletin MS08-052 (the vendor fix for this GDI+ GIF parsing issue) across all affected products.
• Inventory and patch the full affected set, not just Windows: Office XP/2003/2007, Visio 2002, PowerPoint Viewer 2003, Works 8, Digital Image Suite 2006, SQL Server 2000/2005 Reporting Services, Report Viewer 2005/2008 and Forefront Client Security 1.0.
• Where patching is delayed, block or strip GIF content at email and web gateways and restrict untrusted image rendering.
• Reduce exposure by removing or disabling unused GDI+-dependent viewers and legacy Office components on internet-facing or high-value hosts.

Detection

• Hunt for processes loading gdiplus.dll that subsequently spawn child processes or make unexpected network connections, especially from browsers, Office and report viewers.
• Monitor for GIF files containing an abnormal number of graphic control extension markers or unknown extension labels in email attachments and web downloads.
• Review crash and exploit telemetry for gdiplus.dll faults in the affected applications as a possible exploitation precursor.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.