CVE-2003-0838
7.5 · HIGHInternet Explorer allows remote attackers to bypass zone restrictions to inject and execute arbitrary programs by creating a popup window and inserting ActiveX object code with a "data" tag pointin…
Overview
CVE-2003-0838 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting microsoft ie. It was published on November 17, 2003 and has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5 (HIGH).
This vulnerability has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated HIGH. It can be exploited remotely over the network. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
Technical description
Internet Explorer allows remote attackers to bypass zone restrictions to inject and execute arbitrary programs by creating a popup window and inserting ActiveX object code with a "data" tag pointing to the malicious code, which Internet Explorer treats as HTML or Javascript, but later executes as an HTA application, a different vulnerability than CVE-2003-0532, and as exploited using the QHosts Trojan horse (aka Trojan.Qhosts, QHosts-1, VBS.QHOSTS, or aolfix.exe).
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from microsoft. Update ie to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
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References
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2003-0838?
CVE-2003-0838 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting microsoft ie. It was published on November 17, 2003 and has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5 (HIGH).
How severe is CVE-2003-0838?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated HIGH. It can be exploited remotely over the network. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2003-0838?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from microsoft. Update ie to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2003-0838?
CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2003-0838 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.
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