CVE-2003-0908

What it is

The Utility Manager in Microsoft Windows 2000 executes winhlp32.exe with system privileges, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a "Shatter" style attack using a Windows message that accesses the context sensitive help button in the GUI, as demonstrated using the File Open dialog in the Help window, a different vulnerability than CVE-2004-0213.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

25.9% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2004-06-01 04:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:03 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 25.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2004-06-01 04:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:03 UTC

Exploit probability

25.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Microsoft Windows 2000

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 7.2

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Complete

Integrity

Complete

Availability

Complete

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2003-0908.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2003-0908. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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