Is CVE-2003-1521 actively exploited?

A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available for CVE-2003-1521, but active exploitation has not been confirmed.

Can CVE-2003-1521 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2003-1521 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2003-1521?

CVE-2003-1521 has a CVSS score of 6.4 (MEDIUM).

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MEDIUMPOC

CVE-2003-1521

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

6.4

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Sun Java Plug-In 1.4 through 1.4.2_02 allows remote attackers to repeatedly access the floppy drive via the createXmlDocument method in the org.apache.crimson.tree.XmlDocument class, which violates the Java security model.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2003-1521 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-2003-1521. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.