CVE-2001-0538

Microsoft Outlook View ActiveX Control in Microsoft Outlook 2002 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a malicious HTML e-mail…

published March 9, 2002

Patch now

High probability of exploitation

NVD has not assigned a CVSS score to this record. It sits in the 99.0th percentile for exploit probability.

CVSS
—
EPSS
53%
Percentile
99.0
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A single malicious HTML email could turn your inbox into a hacker's playground! Think of this vulnerability like a sneaky delivery person who leaves a package at your front door without checking if it’s safe — just because the door is open doesn’t mean everyone should walk inside! An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on your system, potentially leading to data theft or complete system compromise. It’s like leaving the keys to your house under the doormat — with a stranger waiting to waltz right in!

Put simply

Think of this vulnerability like a sneaky delivery person who leaves a package at your front door without checking if it’s safe — just because the door is open doesn’t mean everyone should walk inside! This vulnerability arises from the Microsoft Outlook View ActiveX Control, which allows remote attackers to send crafted HTML emails that execute unwanted commands on the recipient’s machine. Outlook 2002 and earlier versions are particularly vulnerable, enabling exploitation through innocuous-looking email messages or web pages.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on your system, potentially leading to data theft or complete system compromise. It’s like leaving the keys to your house under the doormat — with a stranger waiting to waltz right in! To protect yourself, consider upgrading to a more current version of Outlook where this vulnerability has been patched. If upgrading isn't possible, ensure your email’s security settings are tightened and be cautious of opening emails from unknown sources. 🌐🔒 You've got this! With the right steps, you can keep your inbox and data secure! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.52851 · 99.0th percentile
Published
2002-03-09T05:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 09 MAR 05:00Z
    Microsoft Outlook View ActiveX Control in Microsoft Outlook 2002 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a malicious HTML e-mail…
    cvelistv5