CVE-2012-4969
HighExploitedPublic exploitUse-after-free vulnerability in the CMshtmlEd::Exec function in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, as exploited in the wild in September 2012.
Published Sep 18, 2012 · Updated Apr 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2012-4969 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.1 v3.1) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 18, 2012. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 80% 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
8.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
80%
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-2012-4969 brief as a PDF
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Description
Use-after-free vulnerability in the CMshtmlEd::Exec function in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, as exploited in the wild in September 2012.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jun 8, 2022 | Jun 22, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 18, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 6, 7, 8, 9 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 18, 2012
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 18, 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 21, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttp://eromang.zataz.com/2012/09/16/zero-day-season-is-really-not-over-yet/
- advisoryoval:org.mitre.oval:def:15729
- advisoryVU#480095
- advisory1027538
- advisoryhttp://www.securityweek.com/new-internet-explorer-zero-day-being-exploited-wild
FAQ
Common Questions.
Use-after-free vulnerability in the CMshtmlEd::Exec function in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, as exploited in the wild in September 2012.
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 6, 7, 8, 9. 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 18, 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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