How severe is CVE-2004-2291?

CVE-2004-2291 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2004-2291 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 11% (95th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2004-2291?

CVE-2004-2291 primarily affects Microsoft Ie. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2004-2291?

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-2004-2291 published?

CVE-2004-2291 was published on 2004-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2004-2291

CVE-2004-2291 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Ie with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 11% places it in the 95th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 11% (95th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Ie
Published: 2004-12-31
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an embedded script that uses Shell Helper objects and a shortcut (link) to execute the target script.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2004-2291?: Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an embedded script that uses Shell Helper objects and a shortcut (link) to execute the target script.
How severe is CVE-2004-2291?: CVE-2004-2291 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2004-2291 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 11% (95th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2004-2291?: CVE-2004-2291 primarily affects Microsoft Ie. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2004-2291?: 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-2004-2291 published?: CVE-2004-2291 was published on 2004-12-31 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:ie:6.0:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:5.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:5.5:preview:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:5.5:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:5.5:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:6.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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