CVE-2004-1043Internet Explorer Vulnerability
Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by using the "Related Topics" command in the Help ActiveX Control (hhctrl.ocx) to open a Help popup window containing the PCHealth tools.htm file in the local zone and injecting Javascript…
Published Dec 31, 2004 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2004-1043 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 5.0 v2) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft), Windows Xp (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jan 11, 2005. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 45% 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
5.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:P/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
45%
Higher than 98.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
35/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Jan 11, 2005
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
Description
Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by using the "Related Topics" command in the Help ActiveX Control (hhctrl.ocx) to open a Help popup window containing the PCHealth tools.htm file in the local zone and injecting Javascript to be executed, as demonstrated using "writehta.txt" and the ADODB recordset, which saves a .HTA file to the local system, aka the "HTML Help ActiveX control Cross Domain Vulnerability."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 11, 2005 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 6.0 | n/a |
| Windows XpMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Dec 31, 2004
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 11, 2005
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- advisoryVU#972415
- advisoryTA05-012B
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitExploitDB-719
- other20041225 Microsoft Internet Explorer SP2 Fully Automated Remote Compromise
FAQ
Common Questions.
Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by using the "Related Topics" command in the Help ActiveX Control (hhctrl.ocx) to open a Help popup window containing the PCHealth tools.htm file in the local zone and injecting Javascript to be executed, as demonstrated using "w…
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 6.0; Windows Xp (Microsoft). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jan 11, 2005.
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-2004-1043 On Your Attack Surface?
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