CVE-2019-0541 Microsoft MSHTML: 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 May 3, 2022
What to do
- Install Microsoft's security update for MSHTML. 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 MSHTML Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- Product
- Microsoft MSHTML
- CISA description
- Microsoft MSHTML engine contains an improper input validation vulnerability that allows for remote code execution vulnerability.
- Type of flaw
- Command or code injection (CWE-77)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 3, 2021
- US federal patch deadline
- May 3, 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-2019-0541 ·
Questions about CVE-2019-0541
Is CVE-2019-0541 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2019-0541 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2019-0541?
Install Microsoft's security update for MSHTML. 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-2019-0541?
Only if you use Microsoft MSHTML. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.