CVE-2016-3351 Microsoft Internet Explorer and Edge: information leak
In plain words: The program reveals information it should keep private. Leaked secrets — tokens, passwords or memory contents — that help a bigger attack.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jun 14, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for Internet Explorer and Edge. 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 and Edge Information Disclosure Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft Internet Explorer and Edge
- CISA description
- An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the way that certain functions in Internet Explorer and Edge handle objects in memory. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to detect specific files on the user's computer.
- Type of flaw
- Information leak (CWE-200)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 24, 2022 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 14, 2022
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Answering about CVE-2016-3351 ·
Questions about CVE-2016-3351
Is CVE-2016-3351 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2016-3351 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 24, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.
How do I fix CVE-2016-3351?
Install Microsoft's security update for Internet Explorer and Edge. 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-2016-3351?
Only if you use Microsoft Internet Explorer and Edge. Used in ransomware, which spreads to ordinary people and small businesses.