CVE-2012-1889
HighExploitedPublic exploitMicrosoft XML Core Services 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 accesses uninitialized memory locations, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site.
Published Jun 13, 2012 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2012-1889 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting XML Core Services (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 1, 2012. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 84% 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)
84%
Higher than 99.6% 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-2012-1889 brief as a PDF
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Description
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 accesses uninitialized memory locations, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jun 8, 2022 | Jun 22, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 1, 2012 | Jun 22, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jun 8, 2022 | Jun 22, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jun 8, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| XML Core ServicesMicrosoft | 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jun 13, 2012
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 1, 2012
Added to CISA KEV
Jun 8, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jun 8, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jun 8, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write
References
- advisoryhttp://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2719615
- advisoryTA12-174A
- advisoryTA12-192A
- patchMS12-043
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 accesses uninitialized memory locations, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site.
Affected: XML Core Services (Microsoft) versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0. 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 Sep 1, 2012.
Yes. It was added on Jun 8, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 22, 2022.
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.
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