How severe is CVE-2004-0978?

CVE-2004-0978 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2004-0978 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 38% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2004-0978?

CVE-2004-0978 primarily affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2004-0978?

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-2004-0978 published?

CVE-2004-0978 was published on 2005-02-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2004-0978

CVE-2004-0978 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 38% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-787.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
EPSS exploit prediction: 38% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-787
Affected product: Microsoft Internet Explorer
Published: 2005-02-09
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in the Hrtbeat.ocx (Heartbeat) ActiveX control for Internet Explorer 5.01 through 6, when users who visit online gaming sites that are associated with MSN, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the SetupData parameter.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2004-0978?: Heap-based buffer overflow in the Hrtbeat.ocx (Heartbeat) ActiveX control for Internet Explorer 5.01 through 6, when users who visit online gaming sites that are associated with MSN, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the SetupData parameter.
How severe is CVE-2004-0978?: CVE-2004-0978 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2004-0978 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 38% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2004-0978?: CVE-2004-0978 primarily affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2004-0978?: 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-2004-0978 published?: CVE-2004-0978 was published on 2005-02-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:5.01:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:5.01:sp4:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:5.5:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:6:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:6:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*

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