CVE-2014-4118

XML Core Services (aka MSXML) 3.0 in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8…

published November 11, 2014

CVSS
—
EPSS
14%
Percentile
96.5
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A crafty XML file could be the key to a full system takeover on multiple Windows platforms, like an unwanted guest who gets far too comfortable in your living room! Think of MSXML as a restaurant's order system, where a chef relies on kitchen orders to prepare meals. If someone slips in a bogus order, it could lead to chaos in the kitchen, serving up something entirely unexpected! With the right crafted XML content, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on your system, potentially corrupting its state or even bringing it down entirely. That's like letting a hungry raccoon rummage through your pantry – once it's in, you could be looking at a massive mess to clean up!

Put simply

Think of MSXML as a restaurant's order system, where a chef relies on kitchen orders to prepare meals. If someone slips in a bogus order, it could lead to chaos in the kitchen, serving up something entirely unexpected! This vulnerability in MSXML allows attackers to send specially crafted XML content, enabling them to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via system-state corruption, which is a serious security concern especially in older systems.

What to do

With the right crafted XML content, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on your system, potentially corrupting its state or even bringing it down entirely. That's like letting a hungry raccoon rummage through your pantry – once it's in, you could be looking at a massive mess to clean up! To mitigate this risk, ensure you're using MSXML versions that have received updates or consider migrating away from older Windows platforms. Regular system audits and patch management will help bolster your defenses! You've got this! With a little diligence and these smart steps, you'll keep your systems safe and sound! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.13661 · 96.5th percentile
Published
2014-11-11T22:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 11 NOV 22:00Z
    XML Core Services (aka MSXML) 3.0 in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8…
    cvelistv5