CVE-2003-0908Windows 2000 Vulnerability
The Utility Manager in Microsoft Windows 2000 executes winhlp32.exe with system privileges, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a "Shatter" style attack using a Windows message that accesses the context sensitive help button in the GUI, as demonstrated using…
Published Jun 1, 2004 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2003-0908 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v2) affecting Windows 2000 (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 26% 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
7.2
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
26%
Higher than 97.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
35/100
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
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
The Utility Manager in Microsoft Windows 2000 executes winhlp32.exe with system privileges, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a "Shatter" style attack using a Windows message that accesses the context sensitive help button in the GUI, as demonstrated using the File Open dialog in the Help window, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-0213.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 2000Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jun 1, 2004
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- advisoryTA04-104A
- patchappsecinc.com · 04-0001.html
- patchVU#526084
- exploitExploitDB-271
- other20040414 [SHATTER Team Security Alert] Microsoft Windows Utility Manager Vulnerability
FAQ
Common Questions.
The Utility Manager in Microsoft Windows 2000 executes winhlp32.exe with system privileges, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a "Shatter" style attack using a Windows message that accesses the context sensitive help button in the GUI, as demonstrated using the File Open dialog in the Help window,…
Affected: Windows 2000 (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.
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-2003-0908 On Your Attack Surface?
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