CVE-2005-0554
HighPublic exploitBuffer overflow in the URL processor of Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, and 6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a URL with a long hostname, aka "URL Parsing Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
Published May 2, 2005 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2005-0554 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 58% 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 very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
58%
Higher than 99.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2005-0554 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Buffer overflow in the URL processor of Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, and 6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a URL with a long hostname, aka "URL Parsing Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 5.01, 5.5, 6.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 2, 2005
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- patch14922
- patch20050412 Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer Long Hostname Heap Corruption Vulnerability
- patchVU#756122
- patchTA05-102A
- exploitExploitDB-931
FAQ
Common Questions.
Buffer overflow in the URL processor of Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, and 6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a URL with a long hostname, aka "URL Parsing Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 5.01, 5.5, 6.0. 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 it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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