CVE-2013-3897KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Internet Explorer Use-After-Free Vulnerability

High · published October 9, 2013

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 8.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.6th percentile for exploit probability.

1674
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
77%
Percentile
99.6
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A crafty JavaScript trick can exploit a use-after-free vulnerability in Internet Explorer, allowing attackers to run arbitrary code at will! ⚡ Think of this as a restaurant where the kitchen mistakenly accepts orders for meals that were already picked up and forgotten. Just like that unclaimed dish, the system can become confused, allowing unwanted guests to input their own menu items without checks! This vulnerability shines a spotlight on the dire consequences: an attacker can execute any code they choose, potentially leading to a complete takeover of the affected system. Imagine an intruder walking straight into your home, ransacking your valuables or even locking you out entirely. This isn't just a nuisance; it poses a significant risk to your security and data integrity!

Put simply

Think of this as a restaurant where the kitchen mistakenly accepts orders for meals that were already picked up and forgotten. Just like that unclaimed dish, the system can become confused, allowing unwanted guests to input their own menu items without checks! The use-after-free vulnerability in the CDisplayPointer class of mshtml.dll can be triggered by crafted JavaScript using the onpropertychange event handler, which can lead to arbitrary code execution or memory corruption, effectively allowing attackers to manipulate the system as they see fit.

What to do

This vulnerability shines a spotlight on the dire consequences: an attacker can execute any code they choose, potentially leading to a complete takeover of the affected system. Imagine an intruder walking straight into your home, ransacking your valuables or even locking you out entirely. This isn't just a nuisance; it poses a significant risk to your security and data integrity! To safeguard against this vulnerability, immediately update Internet Explorer to the latest version available. Additionally, implementing measures such as disabling scripts or switching to a more secure browser can further protect your system. Regularly monitor and patch your software to keep threats at bay! You've got this! Stay vigilant and proactive, and you'll neutralize this threat in no time! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.77310 · 99.6th percentile
Published
2013-10-09T14:44Z
KEV added
2022-03-03 · due 2022-03-24
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Mar 24
    kev
  • 09 OCT 14:44Z
    Use-after-free vulnerability in the CDisplayPointer class in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute…
    cvelistv5