CVE-2004-0420

CVE-2004-0420 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Ie with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 46% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Description

The Windows Shell application in Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by spoofing the type of a file via a CLSID specifier in the filename, as demonstrated using Internet Explorer 6.0.2800.1106 on Windows XP.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2004-0420?
The Windows Shell application in Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by spoofing the type of a file via a CLSID specifier in the filename, as demonstrated using Internet Explorer 6.0.2800.1106 on Windows XP.
How severe is CVE-2004-0420?
CVE-2004-0420 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2004-0420 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 46% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2004-0420?
CVE-2004-0420 primarily affects Microsoft Ie. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2004-0420?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2004-0420 published?
CVE-2004-0420 was published on 2004-07-07 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

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