CVE-2007-3896

The URL handling in Shell32.dll in the Windows shell in Microsoft Windows XP and Server 2003, with Internet Explorer 7 installed, allows remote attackers to…

published October 11, 2007

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
β€”
EPSS
54%
Percentile
99.0
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ Just a sneaky malformed URL can do the trick! Attackers can exploit the URL handling in Shell32.dll to execute arbitrary programs on Windows XP and Server 2003 with Internet Explorer 7 installed. πŸ”₯ Think of it like an unsuspecting waiter accepting a reservation for a table that doesn't exist β€” the system gets tricked into calling up programs it shouldn't even consider! If an attacker pulls this off, they could launch any program on your system, potentially leading to data theft or worse. That's like handing over the keys to your digital kingdom, leaving your important information exposed.

Put simply

Think of it like an unsuspecting waiter accepting a reservation for a table that doesn't exist β€” the system gets tricked into calling up programs it shouldn't even consider! This vulnerability resides in the way Shell32.dll processes URI handlers, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating invalid '%' sequences in mailto: or other URIs. Software like mIRC, Outlook, or Adobe Reader could be affected if opened through these invalid URLs.

What to do

If an attacker pulls this off, they could launch any program on your system, potentially leading to data theft or worse. That's like handing over the keys to your digital kingdom, leaving your important information exposed. To protect yourself, avoid using these outdated systems if possible. If you must use Windows XP or Server 2003, consider disabling unnecessary URI handlers, and ensure all software is updated to the latest version to minimize risks. πŸ›‘οΈ You've got this! With a few precautions, you can significantly reduce your exposure to this vulnerability! πŸ’ͺ😊

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.53831 Β· 99.0th percentile
Published
2007-10-11T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 11 OCT 00:00Z
    The URL handling in Shell32.dll in the Windows shell in Microsoft Windows XP and Server 2003, with Internet Explorer 7 installed, allows remote attackers to…
    cvelistv5