CVE-2014-4123 Microsoft Internet Explorer: privilege escalation
In plain words: Something running with limited rights can promote itself to full control. Turns a small foothold (like a malicious app) into administrator or system-level access.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jun 15, 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. 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 Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- CISA description
- Microsoft Internet Explorer contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows remote attackers to gain privileges via a crafted web site.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-264)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 25, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 15, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2014-4123 ·
Questions about CVE-2014-4123
Is CVE-2014-4123 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2014-4123 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 25, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2014-4123?
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-2014-4123?
Only if you use Microsoft Internet Explorer. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.