CVE-2003-1573: The PointBase 4.6 database component in the J2EE 1.4 reference implementation (J2EE/RI) allows remote attacker

This week

HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-1573 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting j2ee. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The PointBase 4.6 database component in the J2EE 1.4 reference implementation (J2EE/RI) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs, conduct a denial of service, and obtain sensitive information via a crafted SQL statement, related to "inadequate security settings and library bugs in sun.* and org.apache.* packages."

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.0% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-89
Published	2009-06-01
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: sun

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-06-01 22:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

sun j2ee DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy j2ee || rpm -q j2ee || j2ee --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison j2ee sudo apt install j2ee=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4> sudo apt-mark hold j2ee

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list j2ee sudo dnf downgrade j2ee-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4> sudo dnf versionlock add j2ee

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2003-1573?

j2ee: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2003-1573 being exploited?

CVE-2003-1573 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2003-1573 affect?

CVE-2003-1573 affects j2ee. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). The PointBase 4.6 database component in the J2EE 1.4 reference implementation (J2EE/RI) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs, conduct a denial of service, and obtain sensitive information via a crafted SQL statement, relate

How urgent is CVE-2003-1573?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2009-2705 MEDIUM 4.3 MITIGATE MITIGATE CA SiteMinder allows remote attackers to bypass cross-site scripting (XSS) protections for J2EE applications v
CVE-2009-2704 MEDIUM 4.3 MITIGATE CA SiteMinder allows remote attackers to bypass cross-site scripting (XSS) protections for J2EE applications v

References

← Back to latest CVEs