CVE-2012-2557

Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers…

published September 21, 2012

CVSS
—
EPSS
19%
Percentile
97.4
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A crafty website could exploit this use-after-free vulnerability in Internet Explorer 6 to 8, opening the door to arbitrary code execution! 🔓 Think of this like a restaurant that forgets to clear away a table after a meal. If a diner sits down and accidentally finds remnants of the last meal, they could manipulate the situation to their advantage, just like an attacker exploits this flaw to take control. An attacker could craft a seemingly innocent website that triggers this flaw, allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine. This could lead to anything from stealing sensitive information to fully controlling the user's system, making it a surprisingly sneaky attack vector.

Put simply

Think of this like a restaurant that forgets to clear away a table after a meal. If a diner sits down and accidentally finds remnants of the last meal, they could manipulate the situation to their advantage, just like an attacker exploits this flaw to take control. This use-after-free vulnerability occurs when Internet Explorer accesses a deleted object after it has been freed, leading to potential remote code execution when exploited through crafted web content.

What to do

An attacker could craft a seemingly innocent website that triggers this flaw, allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine. This could lead to anything from stealing sensitive information to fully controlling the user's system, making it a surprisingly sneaky attack vector. While there are no immediate patches for this specific CVE, it's vital to advise users to upgrade to a modern browser that receives regular security updates. Additionally, setting up proper security configurations and educating users about safe browsing practices can mitigate risks. You've got this! Stay vigilant and keep your systems updated, and you'll be a security hero in no time! 🦸‍♂️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.19496 · 97.4th percentile
Published
2012-09-21T21:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 21 SEP 21:00Z
    Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers…
    cvelistv5