CVE-2019-0541KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft MSHTML Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published January 8, 2019

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 99.0th percentile for exploit probability.

1634
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
8.8
EPSS
53%
Percentile
99.0
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 An unchecked input in the MSHTML engine could allow attackers to run their code at will! 🔥 Think of this like a restaurant that doesn't check food safety certifications — you could end up serving up a dish that’s not just questionable but downright dangerous. In this case, the MSHTML engine is that restaurant, accepting any input without a second thought! An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. They could steal sensitive data, install malware, or even take over entire systems, leaving a trail of chaos behind!

Put simply

Think of this like a restaurant that doesn't check food safety certifications — you could end up serving up a dish that’s not just questionable but downright dangerous. In this case, the MSHTML engine is that restaurant, accepting any input without a second thought! This remote code execution vulnerability arises from the MSHTML engine's failure to properly validate input. When exploited, it allows attackers to execute their code on victims' devices through malicious webpages or documents.

What to do

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. They could steal sensitive data, install malware, or even take over entire systems, leaving a trail of chaos behind! To mitigate this risk, update Microsoft Office and all related products to the latest versions immediately. Additionally, ensure that security settings are properly configured and consider using a web filtering solution to block harmful content. Don't delay! You’ve got this! Follow these steps to keep your systems secured and minimize risk! 🛡️

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
0.53202 · 99.0th percentile
Published
2019-01-08T21:00Z
KEV added
2021-11-03 · due 2022-05-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by May 3
    kev
  • 08 JAN 21:00Z
    A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the MSHTML engine inproperly validates input, aka "MSHTML Engine Remote Code Execution…
    cvelistv5