CVE-2012-4792
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site…
Browse: All 2012 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 8.8 High
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2024-07-23, remediation due 2024-08-13)
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-416
- Published
- 2012-12-30
- Last modified
- 2026-06-16
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
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 access to an object that (1) was not properly allocated or (2) is deleted, as demonstrated by a CDwnBindInfo object, and exploited in the wild in December 2012.
Affected products
- microsoft internet explorer
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use. Federal remediation deadline: 2024-08-13.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score.
References
- http://blog.fireeye.com/research/2012/12/council-foreign-relations-water-hole-attack-details.html
- http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2012/12/29/new-vulnerability-affecting-internet-explorer-8-users.aspx
- http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2012/12/31/microsoft-quot-fix-it-quot-available-for-internet-explorer-6-7-and-8.aspx
- http://eromang.zataz.com/2012/12/29/attack-and-ie-0day-informations-used-against-council-on-foreign-relations/
- http://labs.alienvault.com/labs/index.php/2012/just-another-water-hole-campaign-using-an-internet-explorer-0day/
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/119168/Microsoft-Internet-Explorer-CDwnBindInfo-Object-Use-After-Free.html
- http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2794220
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/154201
FAQ
Is CVE-2012-4792 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2012-4792 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2024-07-23, with a federal remediation deadline of 2024-08-13. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2012-4792?
CVE-2012-4792 has a CVSS base score of 8.8 (High). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2010-0249 — Microsoft Internet Explorer
- CVE-2010-0806 — Microsoft Internet Explorer
- CVE-2010-3962 — Microsoft Internet Explorer
- CVE-2013-3893 — Microsoft Internet Explorer
- CVE-2013-3163 — Microsoft Internet Explorer
- CVE-2012-4969 — Microsoft Internet Explorer
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
weekly kev brief
Patch what's actually being exploited.
One email a week: the KEV additions that matter, prioritized — no noise.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Delivered by Beehiiv.