CVE-2004-2289Windows Xp Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows XP Explorer allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a system folder with a Desktop.ini file containing a .ShellClassInfo specifier with a CLSID value that is associated with an executable file.
Published Dec 31, 2004 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2004-2289 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v2) affecting Windows Xp (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 23% 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
10.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
23%
Higher than 97.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
37/100
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
3
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisory11633
Description
Microsoft Windows XP Explorer allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a system folder with a Desktop.ini file containing a .ShellClassInfo specifier with a CLSID value that is associated with an executable file.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows XpMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Dec 31, 2004
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- advisory11633
- exploit20040517 Desktop.ini flaw results in executing folders
- exploitExploitDB-24125
- exploitfreewebs.com · execute.htm
- exploit6221
FAQ
Common Questions.
Microsoft Windows XP Explorer allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a system folder with a Desktop.ini file containing a .ShellClassInfo specifier with a CLSID value that is associated with an executable file.
Affected: Windows Xp (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-2004-2289 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.
Request A Demo