How severe is CVE-2013-6801?

CVE-2013-6801 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.1, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2013-6801 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 14% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2013-6801?

CVE-2013-6801 primarily affects Microsoft Word. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2013-6801?

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-2013-6801 published?

CVE-2013-6801 was published on 2013-11-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2013-6801

CVE-2013-6801 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Word with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 14% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-399.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.1)
EPSS exploit prediction: 14% (96th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-399
Affected product: Microsoft Word
Published: 2013-11-18
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Microsoft Word 2003 SP2 and SP3 on Windows XP SP3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via a malformed .doc file containing an embedded image, as demonstrated by word2003forkbomb.doc, related to a "fork bomb" issue.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2013-6801?: Microsoft Word 2003 SP2 and SP3 on Windows XP SP3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via a malformed .doc file containing an embedded image, as demonstrated by word2003forkbomb.doc, related to a "fork bomb" issue.
How severe is CVE-2013-6801?: CVE-2013-6801 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.1, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2013-6801 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 14% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2013-6801?: CVE-2013-6801 primarily affects Microsoft Word. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2013-6801?: 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-2013-6801 published?: CVE-2013-6801 was published on 2013-11-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:word:2003:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:word:2003:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*

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