How severe is CVE-2004-2289?

CVE-2004-2289 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2004-2289 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 23% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2004-2289?

CVE-2004-2289 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Xp. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2004-2289?

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-2004-2289 published?

CVE-2004-2289 was published on 2004-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2004-2289

CVE-2004-2289 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Xp with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 23% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
EPSS exploit prediction: 23% (97th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Xp
Published: 2004-12-31
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Microsoft Windows XP Explorer allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a system folder with a Desktop.ini file containing a .ShellClassInfo specifier with a CLSID value that is associated with an executable file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2004-2289?: Microsoft Windows XP Explorer allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a system folder with a Desktop.ini file containing a .ShellClassInfo specifier with a CLSID value that is associated with an executable file.
How severe is CVE-2004-2289?: CVE-2004-2289 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2004-2289 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 23% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2004-2289?: CVE-2004-2289 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Xp. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2004-2289?: 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-2004-2289 published?: CVE-2004-2289 was published on 2004-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:*:home:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:gold:professional:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp1:home:*:*:*:*:*

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