Which products and versions are affected by CVE-2011-1996?

Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 6, 7, 8. The full list is in the CVE brief.

Is CVE-2011-1996 being exploited in the wild?

It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.

Is CVE-2011-1996 in the CISA KEV catalog?

No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Is there a public exploit for CVE-2011-1996?

Public exploit code is available.

Is there a fix for CVE-2011-1996?

No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

How urgently should CVE-2011-1996 be patched?

Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.

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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2011-1996

CriticalPublic exploit

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 8 does not properly handle objects in memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by accessing a deleted object, aka "Option Element Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."

Published Oct 11, 2011 · Updated Apr 28, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately

CVE-2011-1996 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft).
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
EPSS estimates a 59% 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 very likely to be exploited soon.

CVSS v2

9.3

AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

59%

Higher than 99.1% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

No known

Not in a known-exploited catalog

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2011-1996 brief as a PDF

Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.

Description

Affected Products

3 affected entries in total

Product	Affected versions	Fixed in
Internet ExplorerMicrosoft	6, 7, 8	n/a

Timeline

Publicly disclosed
Oct 11, 2011
Last updated
Apr 28, 2026

References

FAQ

Common Questions.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 8 does not properly handle objects in memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by accessing a deleted object, aka "Option Element Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 6, 7, 8. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.

Is CVE-2011-1996 Running On Your Attack Surface?

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