CVE-2003-0309

CVE-2003-0309 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 50% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Description

Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, and 6.0 allows remote attackers to bypass security zone restrictions and execute arbitrary programs via a web document with a large number of duplicate file:// or other requests that point to the program and open multiple file download dialogs, which eventually cause Internet Explorer to execute the program, as demonstrated using a large number of FRAME or IFRAME tags, aka the "File Download Dialog Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2003-0309?
Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, and 6.0 allows remote attackers to bypass security zone restrictions and execute arbitrary programs via a web document with a large number of duplicate file:// or other requests that point to the program and open multiple file download dialogs, which eventually cause Internet Explorer to execute the program, as demonstrated using a large number of FRAME or IFRAME tags, aka the "File Download Dialog Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2003-0309?
CVE-2003-0309 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2003-0309 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 50% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2003-0309?
CVE-2003-0309 affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2003-0309?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2003-0309 published?
CVE-2003-0309 was published on 2003-06-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

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