CVE-2013-2551 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 Apr 18, 2022
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. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.
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
- Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer allows remote attackers to execute remote code via a crafted web site that triggers access to a deleted object.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-416)
- Confirmed exploited
- Mar 28, 2022 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Apr 18, 2022
Ask Cleus about it
Ask about a vulnerability, an update, a weird message, or the news. Plain-word answers, free, no account.
Answering about CVE-2013-2551 ·
Questions about CVE-2013-2551
Is CVE-2013-2551 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2013-2551 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 28, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2013-2551?
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-2013-2551?
Only if you use Microsoft Internet Explorer. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.