CVE-2013-2551
HighExploitedPublic exploitUse-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to a deleted object, as demonstrated by VUPEN during a Pwn2Own competition at CanSecWest 2013, aka "Internet…
Published Mar 11, 2013 · Updated Apr 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2013-2551 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 Feb 23, 2015 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 74% 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)
74%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2013-2551 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 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to a deleted object, as demonstrated by VUPEN during a Pwn2Own competition at CanSecWest 2013, aka "Internet Explorer Use After Free Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-1308 and CVE-2013-1309.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Feb 23, 2015 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 28, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 10, 6, 7, 8, 9 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Mar 11, 2013
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 23, 2015
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 28, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 28, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 28, 2022
Last updated
Apr 21, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttp://h30499.www3.hp.com/t5/HP-Security-Research-Blog/Pwn2Own-2013/ba-p/5981157
- advisoryTA13-134A
- patchMS13-037
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to a deleted object, as demonstrated by VUPEN during a Pwn2Own competition at CanSecWest 2013, aka "Internet Explorer Use After Free Vulnerability," a d…
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 10, 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 Feb 23, 2015 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 28, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 18, 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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