CVE-2012-4792
HighExploitedPublic exploitUse-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to an object that (1) was not properly allocated or (2) is deleted, as demonstrated by a CDwnBindInfo object, and…
Published Dec 30, 2012 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2012-4792 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 Dec 29, 2012. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 79% 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)
79%
Higher than 99.5% 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-2012-4792 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 through 8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to an object that (1) was not properly allocated or (2) is deleted, as demonstrated by a CDwnBindInfo object, and exploited in the wild in December 2012.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jul 23, 2024 | Aug 13, 2024 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 29, 2012 | Aug 13, 2024 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jul 23, 2024 | Aug 13, 2024 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jul 23, 2024 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 6, 7, 8 | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 29, 2012
Publicly disclosed
Dec 30, 2012
Added to CISA KEV
Jul 23, 2024
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jul 23, 2024
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jul 23, 2024
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttp://eromang.zataz.com/2012/12/29/attack-and-ie-0day-informations-used-against-council-on-foreign-relations/
- advisoryhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/119168/Microsoft-Internet-Explorer-CDwnBindInfo-Object-Use-After-Free.html
- advisoryMSF ie_cbutton_uaf.rb
- advisoryVU#154201
- advisoryTA13-008A
FAQ
Common Questions.
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to an object that (1) was not properly allocated or (2) is deleted, as demonstrated by a CDwnBindInfo object, and exploited in the wild in December 2012.
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 6, 7, 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 Dec 29, 2012.
Yes. It was added on Jul 23, 2024 with a federal remediation due date of Aug 13, 2024.
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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