How severe is CVE-2004-0538?

CVE-2004-0538 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2004-0538 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (75th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2004-0538?

CVE-2004-0538 primarily affects Apple Mac Os X. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2004-0538?

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-2004-0538 published?

CVE-2004-0538 was published on 2004-08-06 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2004-0538

CVE-2004-0538 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple Mac Os X with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (75th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Apple Mac Os X
Published: 2004-08-06
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

LaunchServices in Mac OS X 10.3.4 and 10.2.8 automatically registers and executes new applications, which could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code without warning the user.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2004-0538?: LaunchServices in Mac OS X 10.3.4 and 10.2.8 automatically registers and executes new applications, which could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code without warning the user.
How severe is CVE-2004-0538?: CVE-2004-0538 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2004-0538 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (75th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2004-0538?: CVE-2004-0538 primarily affects Apple Mac Os X. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2004-0538?: 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-2004-0538 published?: CVE-2004-0538 was published on 2004-08-06 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25785

Affected products (4)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:10.2.8:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x:10.3.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x_server:10.2.8:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:apple:mac_os_x_server:10.3.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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