Is CVE-2003-1516 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2003-1516, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2003-1516 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2003-1516 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2003-1516?

CVE-2003-1516 has a CVSS score of 6.8 (MEDIUM).

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MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2003-1516

NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: December 31, 2003· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

6.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The org.apache.xalan.processor.XSLProcessorVersion class in Java Plug-in 1.4.2_01 allows signed and unsigned applets to share variables, which violates the Java security model and could allow remote attackers to read or write data belonging to a signed applet.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2003-1516 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-2003-1516. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.