CVE-2004-0549
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitThe WebBrowser ActiveX control, or the Internet Explorer HTML rendering engine (MSHTML), as used in Internet Explorer 6, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the Local Security context by using the showModalDialog method and modifying the location to execute code…
Published Aug 6, 2004 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2004-0549 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v2) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jul 30, 2004. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 61% 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
10.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
61%
Higher than 99.1% 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-2004-0549 brief as a PDF
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Description
The WebBrowser ActiveX control, or the Internet Explorer HTML rendering engine (MSHTML), as used in Internet Explorer 6, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the Local Security context by using the showModalDialog method and modifying the location to execute code such as Javascript, as demonstrated using (1) delayed HTTP redirect operations, and an HTTP response with a Location: header containing a "URL:" prepended to a "ms-its" protocol URI, or (2) modifying the location attribute of the window, as exploited by the Download.ject (aka Scob aka Toofer) using the ADODB.Stream object.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Jul 30, 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
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 5.01, 5.5, 6.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 30, 2004
Publicly disclosed
Aug 6, 2004
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- patchTA04-163A
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitExploitDB-316
- otherhttp://62.131.86.111/analysis.htm
- other20040602 180 Solutions Exploits and Toolbars Hacking Patched Users(I.E Exploits)
FAQ
Common Questions.
The WebBrowser ActiveX control, or the Internet Explorer HTML rendering engine (MSHTML), as used in Internet Explorer 6, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the Local Security context by using the showModalDialog method and modifying the location to execute code such as Javascript, as demonstrated usi…
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 5.01, 5.5, 6.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jul 30, 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.
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