Which products and versions are affected by CVE-2003-1041?

Affected: Ie (Microsoft) versions 6.0-sp1, 6-windows_server_2003_sp1; Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 5, 5.5, 5.5-sp1, 5.5-sp2, 6.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.

Is CVE-2003-1041 being exploited in the wild?

It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jul 13, 2004.

Is CVE-2003-1041 in the CISA KEV catalog?

No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Is there a public exploit for CVE-2003-1041?

Public exploit code is available.

Is there a fix for CVE-2003-1041?

No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

How urgently should CVE-2003-1041 be patched?

Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2003-1041

HighExploitedPublic exploit

Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via a modified directory traversal attack using a URL containing ".." (dot dot) sequences and a filename that ends in "::" which is treated as a .chm file even if it does not have a .chm…

Published Jun 14, 2004 · Updated Apr 15, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately

CVE-2003-1041 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Ie (Microsoft), Internet Explorer (Microsoft).
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jul 13, 2004. Public exploit code is available.
EPSS estimates a 53% 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.

CVSS v2

7.5

AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

53%

Higher than 98.9% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

Yes

1 catalog listing

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2003-1041 brief as a PDF

Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.

Description

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

Catalog	Added	Remediation due	Ransomware use
Industry KEV feed	Jul 13, 2004	n/a	Not reported

Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Products

7 affected entries in total

Product	Affected versions	Fixed in
IeMicrosoft	6.0-sp1, 6-windows_server_2003_sp1	n/a
Internet ExplorerMicrosoft	5, 5.5, 5.5-sp1, 5.5-sp2, 6.0	n/a

Timeline

Publicly disclosed
Jun 14, 2004
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 13, 2004
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026

References

advisoryTA04-196A
exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
exploitExploitDB-23504
exploit20031230 IE 5.x-6.0 allows executing arbitrary programs using showHelp()
exploit9320

7 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

Internet Explorer 5.x and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via a modified directory traversal attack using a URL containing ".." (dot dot) sequences and a filename that ends in "::" which is treated as a .chm file even if it does not have a .chm extension.
Affected: Ie (Microsoft) versions 6.0-sp1, 6-windows_server_2003_sp1; Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 5, 5.5, 5.5-sp1, 5.5-sp2, 6.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jul 13, 2004.
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-2003-1041 Running On Your Attack Surface?

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