CVE-2005-1978
HighPublic exploitCOM+ in Microsoft Windows does not properly "create and use memory structures," which allows local users or remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Published Oct 12, 2005 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2005-1978 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Windows 2000 (Microsoft), Windows 2003 Server (Microsoft), Windows Xp (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. 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 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)
53%
Higher than 98.9% 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-2005-1978 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
COM+ in Microsoft Windows does not properly "create and use memory structures," which allows local users or remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Affected Products
9 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 2000Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows 2003 ServerMicrosoft | 64-bit, itanium, r2, sp1 | n/a |
| Windows XpMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 12, 2005
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- exploitExploitDB-1352
- otherMS05-051
- other17161
- other17172
- other17223
FAQ
Common Questions.
COM+ in Microsoft Windows does not properly "create and use memory structures," which allows local users or remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Affected: Windows 2000 (Microsoft); Windows 2003 Server (Microsoft) versions 64-bit, itanium, r2, sp1; 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 it is very likely to be exploited soon.
Is CVE-2005-1978 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo