CVE-2003-0816Internet Explorer Vulnerability
Internet Explorer 6 SP1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass zone restrictions by (1) using the NavigateAndFind method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated by NAFfileJPU, (2) using the window.open method to load a file: URL containing Javascript,…
Published Feb 3, 2004 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2003-0816 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Ie (Microsoft), Internet Explorer (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 48% 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 public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
48%
Higher than 98.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
42/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
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
2
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- patchVU#652452
Description
Internet Explorer 6 SP1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass zone restrictions by (1) using the NavigateAndFind method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated by NAFfileJPU, (2) using the window.open method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated using WsOpenFileJPU, (3) setting the href property in the base tag for the _search window, as demonstrated using WsBASEjpu, (4) loading the search window into an Iframe, as demonstrated using WsFakeSrc, (5) caching a javascript: URL in the browser history, then accessing that URL in the same frame as the target domain, as demonstrated using WsOpenJpuInHistory, NAFjpuInHistory, BackMyParent, BackMyParent2, and RefBack, aka the "Script URLs Cross Domain" vulnerability.
Affected Products
9 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| IeMicrosoft | 6.0-sp1 | n/a |
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 5.0.1, 5.0.1-sp1, 5.0.1-sp2, 5.0.1-sp3, 5.5, 5.5-sp1, 5.5-sp2, 6.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 3, 2004
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- patchVU#652452
- exploitExploitDB-23131
- exploitExploitDB-23790
- other20030910 MSIE->RefBack
- other20030910 MSIE->NAFjpuInHistory
FAQ
Common Questions.
Internet Explorer 6 SP1 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass zone restrictions by (1) using the NavigateAndFind method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated by NAFfileJPU, (2) using the window.open method to load a file: URL containing Javascript, as demonstrated using WsOpenFileJPU, (3)…
Affected: Ie (Microsoft) versions 6.0-sp1; Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 5.0.1, 5.0.1-sp1, 5.0.1-sp2, 5.0.1-sp3, 5.5, 5.5-sp1, 5.5-sp2, 6.0. 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.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2003-0816 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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