CVE-2003-0111Virtual Machine Vulnerability
The ByteCode Verifier component of Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM) build 5.0.3809 and earlier, as used in Windows and Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to bypass security checks and execute arbitrary code via a malicious Java applet, aka "Flaw in Microsoft VM Could…
Published May 5, 2003 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2003-0111 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Virtual Machine (Microsoft), Windows 2000 (Microsoft), Windows 2000 Terminal Services (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 1, 2010. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Scores
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
36%
Higher than 98.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
34/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
May 1, 2010
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
1
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
The ByteCode Verifier component of Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM) build 5.0.3809 and earlier, as used in Windows and Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to bypass security checks and execute arbitrary code via a malicious Java applet, aka "Flaw in Microsoft VM Could Enable System Compromise."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | May 1, 2010 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
11 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual MachineMicrosoft | 3802, 3805, 3809 | n/a |
| Windows 2000Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 2000 Terminal ServicesMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 5, 2003
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 1, 2010
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- patchmsvm-bytecode-improper-validation(11751)
- patchVU#447569
- exploitExploitDB-22027
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- otherMS03-011
FAQ
Common Questions.
The ByteCode Verifier component of Microsoft Virtual Machine (VM) build 5.0.3809 and earlier, as used in Windows and Internet Explorer, allows remote attackers to bypass security checks and execute arbitrary code via a malicious Java applet, aka "Flaw in Microsoft VM Could Enable System Compromise."
Affected: Virtual Machine (Microsoft) versions 3802, 3805, 3809; Windows 2000 (Microsoft); Windows 2000 Terminal Services (Microsoft). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since May 1, 2010.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2003-0111 On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense matches it against the products discovered on your perimeter and opens a finding the day a CVE like this is listed.
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