CVE-2003-0816

CVE-2003-0816 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Ie with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 48% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Description

Internet Explorer 6 SP1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass zone restrictions by (1) using the NavigateAndFind method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated by NAFfileJPU, (2) using the window.open method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated using WsOpenFileJPU, (3) setting the href property in the base tag for the _search window, as demonstrated using WsBASEjpu, (4) loading the search window into an Iframe, as demonstrated using WsFakeSrc, (5) caching a javascript: URL in the browser history, then accessing that URL in the same frame as the target domain, as demonstrated using WsOpenJpuInHistory, NAFjpuInHistory, BackMyParent, BackMyParent2, and RefBack, aka the "Script URLs Cross Domain" vulnerability.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2003-0816?
Internet Explorer 6 SP1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass zone restrictions by (1) using the NavigateAndFind method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated by NAFfileJPU, (2) using the window.open method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated using WsOpenFileJPU, (3) setting the href property in the base tag for the _search window, as demonstrated using WsBASEjpu, (4) loading the search window into an Iframe, as demonstrated using WsFakeSrc, (5) caching a javascript: URL in the browser history, then accessing that URL in the same frame as the target domain, as demonstrated using WsOpenJpuInHistory, NAFjpuInHistory, BackMyParent, BackMyParent2, and RefBack, aka the "Script URLs Cross Domain" vulnerability.
How severe is CVE-2003-0816?
CVE-2003-0816 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2003-0816 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 48% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2003-0816?
CVE-2003-0816 primarily affects Microsoft Ie. In total, 9 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2003-0816?
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-2003-0816 published?
CVE-2003-0816 was published on 2004-02-03 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (9)

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