CRITICAL
CVE-2004-0420
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: July 7, 2004· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
10.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The Windows Shell application in Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by spoofing the type of a file via a CLSID specifier in the filename, as demonstrated using Internet Explorer 6.0.2800.1106 on Windows XP.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2004-0420 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.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Affected Vendors & Products
Microsoft2 product(s)
ieinternet explorer
Source: NVD CPE · 3 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (28)
→
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/106324US Government Resource
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/351379Exploit · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/9510Exploit · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA04-196A.htmlUS Government Resource
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2004-0420
CVSS Score10.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJul 7, 2004
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2004-0420 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.