CVE-2012-4792 Microsoft Internet Explorer: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Aug 13, 2024
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Internet Explorer. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
- Keep extensions to a minimum and remove ones you do not recognise.
- Stop using Internet Explorer and any browser that no longer gets updates.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: A malicious or hacked website can be enough. Browser bugs are often the first step in a longer attack on the whole computer or phone.
The details
- Official name
- Microsoft Internet Explorer Use-After-Free Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- CISA description
- Microsoft Internet Explorer contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows a remote attacker 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.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-416)
- Confirmed exploited
- Jul 23, 2024
- US federal patch deadline
- Aug 13, 2024
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Answering about CVE-2012-4792 ·
Questions about CVE-2012-4792
Is CVE-2012-4792 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2012-4792 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jul 23, 2024, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2012-4792?
Install Microsoft's security update for Internet Explorer. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Let the browser auto-update and relaunch it when it asks — the fix is not active until you do.
Am I affected by CVE-2012-4792?
Only if you use Microsoft Internet Explorer. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.