CVE-2004-0549

CVE-2004-0549 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 61% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Description

The WebBrowser ActiveX control, or the Internet Explorer HTML rendering engine (MSHTML), as used in Internet Explorer 6, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the Local Security context by using the showModalDialog method and modifying the location to execute code such as Javascript, as demonstrated using (1) delayed HTTP redirect operations, and an HTTP response with a Location: header containing a "URL:" prepended to a "ms-its" protocol URI, or (2) modifying the location attribute of the window, as exploited by the Download.ject (aka Scob aka Toofer) using the ADODB.Stream object.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2004-0549?
The WebBrowser ActiveX control, or the Internet Explorer HTML rendering engine (MSHTML), as used in Internet Explorer 6, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the Local Security context by using the showModalDialog method and modifying the location to execute code such as Javascript, as demonstrated using (1) delayed HTTP redirect operations, and an HTTP response with a Location: header containing a "URL:" prepended to a "ms-its" protocol URI, or (2) modifying the location attribute of the window, as exploited by the Download.ject (aka Scob aka Toofer) using the ADODB.Stream object.
How severe is CVE-2004-0549?
CVE-2004-0549 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2004-0549 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 61% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2004-0549?
CVE-2004-0549 primarily affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2004-0549?
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-2004-0549 published?
CVE-2004-0549 was published on 2004-08-06 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (4)

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