CVE-2003-0896
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: November 17, 2003· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Official Description
The loadClass method of the sun.applet.AppletClassLoader class in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) in Sun SDK and JRE 1.4.1_03 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass sandbox restrictions and execute arbitrary code via a loaded class name that contains "/" (slash) instead of "." (dot) characters, which bypasses a call to the Security Manager's checkPackageAccess method.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2003-0896 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2003-0896. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (16)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2003-0896 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts