CVE-2010-10015

CVE-2010-10015 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 4.0 base score of 8.4. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-121.

Key facts

• Severity: High (CVSS 4.0 base score 8.4)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (39th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2010-5309
• Weakness: CWE-121
• Published: 2025-08-21
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

AOL versions up to and including 9.5 includes an ActiveX control (Phobos.dll) that exposes a method called Import() via the Phobos.Playlist COM object. This method is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow when provided with an excessively long string argument. Exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user, but only when the malicious HTML file is opened locally, due to the control not being marked safe for scripting or initialization. AOL remains an active and supported brand offering services like AOL Mail and AOL Desktop Gold, but the legacy AOL 9.5 desktop software—specifically the version containing the vulnerable Phobos.dll ActiveX control—is long discontinued and no longer maintained.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2010-10015?

AOL versions up to and including 9.5 includes an ActiveX control (Phobos.dll) that exposes a method called Import() via the Phobos.Playlist COM object. This method is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow when provided with an excessively long string argument. Exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user, but only when the malicious HTML file is opened locally, due to the control not being marked safe for scripting or initialization. AOL remains an active and supported brand offering services like AOL Mail and AOL Desktop Gold, but the legacy AOL 9.5 desktop software—specifically the version containing the vulnerable Phobos.dll ActiveX control—is long discontinued and no longer maintained.

How severe is CVE-2010-10015?

CVE-2010-10015 has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 8.4, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2010-10015 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2010-10015?

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.

Does CVE-2010-10015 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2010-10015 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2010-5309.

When was CVE-2010-10015 published?

CVE-2010-10015 was published on 2025-08-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/11190
• https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=20354
• https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/master/modules/exploits/windows/fileformat/aol_phobos_bof.rb
• https://web.archive.org/web/20100804162117/http://www.rec-sec.com/2010/01/25/aol-playlist-class-buffer-overflow/
• https://www.broadcom.com/support/security-center/attacksignatures/detail?asid=26569
• https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/11204
• https://www.fortiguard.com/encyclopedia/ips/32026/aol-phobos-dll-activex-control-import-buffer-overflow
• https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/aol-phobos-playlist-import-stack-based-buffer-overflow
• https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/11190

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