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Exploited in the wildComputers & everyday appsCould reach you

CVE-2012-0151 Microsoft Windows: command or code injection

In plain words: The program treats text it receives as instructions instead of plain data. The attacker can run commands on the machine — often the whole device is taken over.

Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jun 22, 2022

What to do

  1. Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
  2. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
  3. Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
  4. Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.

Who is affected

Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.

What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.

The details

Official name
Microsoft Windows Authenticode Signature Verification Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Product
Microsoft Windows
CISA description
The Authenticode Signature Verification function in Microsoft Windows (WinVerifyTrust) does not properly validate the digest of a signed portable executable (PE) file, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute code.
Type of flaw
Command or code injection (CWE-20)
Confirmed exploited
Jun 8, 2022
US federal patch deadline
Jun 22, 2022

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Answering about CVE-2012-0151 ·

Questions about CVE-2012-0151

Is CVE-2012-0151 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2012-0151 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jun 8, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.

How do I fix CVE-2012-0151?

Install Microsoft's security update for Windows. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.

Am I affected by CVE-2012-0151?

Only if you use Microsoft Windows. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.

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