CVE-2001-0538
CriticalPublic exploitMicrosoft Outlook View ActiveX Control in Microsoft Outlook 2002 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a malicious HTML e-mail message or web page.
Published Aug 14, 2001 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2001-0538 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v2) affecting Outlook (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 53% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Outlook 2002.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v2
10.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
53%
Higher than 98.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2001-0538 brief as a PDF
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Description
Microsoft Outlook View ActiveX Control in Microsoft Outlook 2002 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a malicious HTML e-mail message or web page.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| OutlookMicrosoft | See advisory | 2002 |
Patched Releases
Outlook
2002
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 14, 2001
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- exploitExploitDB-21003
- exploitExploitDB-21004
- other20010712 MS Office XP - the more money I give to Microsoft, the more vulnerable my Windows computers are
- otherMS01-038
- otheroutlook-activex-view-control(6831)
FAQ
Common Questions.
Microsoft Outlook View ActiveX Control in Microsoft Outlook 2002 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a malicious HTML e-mail message or web page.
Affected: Outlook (Microsoft). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Outlook 2002.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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