HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2004-0978
CRITICAL

CVE-2004-0978

CWE-787Published: February 9, 2005· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

10.0
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Heap-based buffer overflow in the Hrtbeat.ocx (Heartbeat) ActiveX control for Internet Explorer 5.01 through 6, when users who visit online gaming sites that are associated with MSN, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the SetupData parameter.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2004-0978 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.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-787): Out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities can lead to data corruption, crashes, or arbitrary code execution.

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

Microsoft7 product(s)
internet explorerwindows 2000windows mewindows server 2003windows xpwindows 98sewindows nt
Source: NVD CPE · 9 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

PATCHhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2004/ms04-038
PATCHhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2004/ms04-038
ADVISORYhttp://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=110616221411579&w=2
ADVISORYhttp://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/673134
ADVISORYhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/11367
ADVISORYhttps://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/17714
ADVISORYhttp://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=110616221411579&w=2
ADVISORYhttp://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/673134
ADVISORYhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/11367
ADVISORYhttps://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/17714

All References (12)

→
http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=110616221411579&w=2Issue Tracking · Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/673134Third Party Advisory · US Government Resource
→
http://www.ngssoftware.com/advisories/heartbeatfull.txtBroken Link
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/11367Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2004/ms04-038Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/17714Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=110616221411579&w=2Issue Tracking · Third Party Advisory
→
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/673134Third Party Advisory · US Government Resource
→
http://www.ngssoftware.com/advisories/heartbeatfull.txtBroken Link
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/11367Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry
→
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2004/ms04-038Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/17714Third Party Advisory · VDB Entry

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2004-0978
CVSS Score10.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-787
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedFeb 9, 2005

Related CVEs (CWE-787)

CVE-2018-17160
10.0
CVE-2012-3957
10.0
CVE-2018-10718
10.0
CVE-2009-2466
10.0
CVE-2012-0751
10.0
CVE-2004-1287
10.0

Recommended Actions

  • →Apply vendor patches immediately
  • →Monitor CVE-2004-0978 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.
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