CVE-2010-0249
HighExploitedPublic exploitUse-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, 6 SP1, 7, and 8 on Windows 2000 SP4; Windows XP SP2 and SP3; Windows Server 2003 SP2; Windows Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2; Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2; and Windows 7 allows remote attackers to execute…
Published Jan 15, 2010 · Updated May 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2010-0249 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 15, 2010. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 92% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
92%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2010-0249 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, 6 SP1, 7, and 8 on Windows 2000 SP4; Windows XP SP2 and SP3; Windows Server 2003 SP2; Windows Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2; Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2; and Windows 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by accessing a pointer associated with a deleted object, related to incorrectly initialized memory and improper handling of objects in memory, as exploited in the wild in December 2009 and January 2010 during Operation Aurora, aka "HTML Object Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 20, 2026 | Jun 3, 2026 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 15, 2010 | Jun 3, 2026 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jan 15, 2010 | Jun 3, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 20, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 5.0.1-sp4, 6, 6-sp1, 7.0, 8 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 15, 2010
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 15, 2010
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jan 15, 2010
Added to CISA KEV
May 20, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 20, 2026
Last updated
May 21, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttp://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2010/01/14/security-advisory-979352.aspx
- advisory1023462
- advisoryie-freed-object-code-execution(55642)
- advisoryVU#492515
- advisoryTA10-055A
FAQ
Common Questions.
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, 6 SP1, 7, and 8 on Windows 2000 SP4; Windows XP SP2 and SP3; Windows Server 2003 SP2; Windows Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2; Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2; and Windows 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by accessing a pointer associated…
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 5.0.1-sp4, 6, 6-sp1, 7.0, 8. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 15, 2010.
Yes. It was added on May 20, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 3, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2010-0249 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo