AOL Instant Messenger up to 5.5 File Remote Code Execution

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 has been found in AOL Instant Messenger up to 5.5 and classified as problematic. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component File Handler. The manipulation leads to Remote Code Execution. This vulnerability is documented as CVE-2004-2373. The attack can be initiated remotely. Additionally, an exploit exists. The affected component should be upgraded.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in AOL Instant Messenger up to 5.5 (Messaging Software). It has been rated as critical. This issue affects an unknown part of the component File Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a remote code execution vulnerability. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

The Buddy icon file for AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 4.3 through 5.5 is created in a predictable location, which may allow remote attackers to use a shell: URI to exploit other vulnerabilities that involve predictable locations.

The bug was discovered 02/18/2004. The weakness was released 02/12/2004 by Michael Evanchik (Mike) (Website). The advisory is shared at michaelevanchik.com. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2004-2373 since 08/16/2005. The attack may be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is needed for a successful exploitation. Technical details are unknown but a public exploit is available.

The exploit is available at michaelevanchik.com. It is declared as proof-of-concept.

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at aol.com. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (15310), Exploit-DB (23730), SecurityFocus (BID 9698†), OSVDB (4012†) and Secunia (SA10930†). securityfocus.com is providing further details. Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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Vendor

Name

Version

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: Remote Code Execution
CWE: Unknown
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: 🔍

Patch: aol.com

Timelineinfo

02/12/2004 🔍
02/18/2004 +6 days 🔍
02/19/2004 +1 days 🔍
02/20/2004 +1 days 🔍
02/20/2004 +0 days 🔍
02/23/2004 +2 days 🔍
12/31/2004 +312 days 🔍
08/16/2005 +228 days 🔍
08/21/2025 +7310 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: aol.com

Advisory: michaelevanchik.com
Researcher: Michael Evanchik (Mike)
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2004-2373 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2004-2373
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-521
X-Force: 15310 - AOL Instant Messenger stores buddy icon in predictable location, Medium Risk
SecurityFocus: 9698 - AOL Instant Messenger Buddy Icon Predictable File Location Weakness
Secunia: 10930 - AOL Instant Messenger Predictable File Location Weakness, Not Critical
OSVDB: 4012 - AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) Predictable File Location Weakness
SecuriTeam: securiteam.com

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

Entryinfo

Created: 02/23/2004 09:43
Updated: 08/21/2025 11:00
Changes: 02/23/2004 09:43 (75), 06/27/2019 18:10 (3), 08/21/2025 11:00 (21)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216:898:103

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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