Microsoft Windows winhlp32.exe heap-based overflow

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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6.6$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability identified as critical has been detected in Microsoft Windows. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file winhlp32.exe. This manipulation causes heap-based overflow. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2004-1306. Furthermore, an exploit is available. You should upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability has been found in Microsoft Windows (Operating System) (affected version not known) and classified as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is some unknown functionality of the file winhlp32.exe. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a heap-based overflow vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-122. A heap overflow condition is a buffer overflow, where the buffer that can be overwritten is allocated in the heap portion of memory, generally meaning that the buffer was allocated using a routine such as malloc(). As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Heap-based buffer overflow in winhlp32.exe in Windows NT, Windows 2000 through SP4, Windows XP through SP2, and Windows 2003 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .hlp file.

The weakness was published 12/31/2004 by Flashsky (Website). It is possible to read the advisory at marc.info. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2004-1306 since 12/20/2004. The exploitation appears to be difficult. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploitation doesn't need any form of authentication. Technical details and also a public exploit are known.

It is possible to download the exploit at securityfocus.com. It is declared as proof-of-concept. We expect the 0-day to have been worth approximately $100k and more.

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. Furthermore it is possible to detect and prevent this kind of attack with TippingPoint and the filter 31357.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (18678), Exploit-DB (25049), SecurityFocus (BID 12092†) and Vulnerability Center (SBV-6608†). Similar entry is available at VDB-22602. Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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Vendor

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License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 6.6

VulDB Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Temp Score: 6.6
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Heap-based overflow
CWE: CWE-122 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Access: Public
Status: Proof-of-Concept
Download: 🔍

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Exploit-DB: 🔍

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍
TippingPoint: 🔍

McAfee IPS: 🔍
McAfee IPS Version: 🔍

PaloAlto IPS: 🔍

Timelineinfo

12/20/2004 🔍
12/22/2004 +2 days 🔍
12/22/2004 +0 days 🔍
12/25/2004 +3 days 🔍
12/31/2004 +5 days 🔍
12/31/2004 +0 days 🔍
02/27/2015 +3710 days 🔍
09/27/2025 +3864 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: microsoft.com
Product: microsoft.com

Advisory: marc.info
Researcher: Flashsky
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2004-1306 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2004-1306
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-22675
X-Force: 18678
SecurityFocus: 12092 - Microsoft Windows winhlp32 Phrase Heap Overflow Vulnerability
Vulnerability Center: 6608 - Buffer Overflow in Microsoft Windows Winhlp32.exe Program, Critical

scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20161013
See also: 🔍

Entryinfo

Created: 02/27/2015 23:47
Updated: 09/27/2025 01:32
Changes: 02/27/2015 23:47 (51), 09/17/2018 08:05 (16), 09/27/2025 01:32 (19)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216:76A:103

Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

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