CVE-2013-3893
HighExploitedPublic exploitUse-after-free vulnerability in the SetMouseCapture implementation in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted JavaScript strings, as demonstrated by use of an ms-help: URL that triggers loading of…
Published Sep 18, 2013 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2013-3893 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 Sep 21, 2013. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 88% 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)
88%
Higher than 99.7% 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-2013-3893 brief as a PDF
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Description
Use-after-free vulnerability in the SetMouseCapture implementation in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted JavaScript strings, as demonstrated by use of an ms-help: URL that triggers loading of hxds.dll.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Aug 12, 2025 | Sep 2, 2025 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 21, 2013 | Sep 2, 2025 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Aug 12, 2025 | Sep 2, 2025 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Aug 12, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
7 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 10, 11-developer-preview, 11-release-preview, 6, 7, 8, 9 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 18, 2013
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 21, 2013
Added to CISA KEV
Aug 12, 2025
Added to CIRCL KEV
Aug 12, 2025
Added to ENISA EUVD
Aug 12, 2025
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttp://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2013/10/08/ms13-080-addresses-two-vulnerabilities-under-limited-targeted-attacks.aspx
- advisoryJVNDB-2013-000093
- advisoryJVN#27443259
- advisoryMS13-080
- advisoryhttp://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2887505
FAQ
Common Questions.
Use-after-free vulnerability in the SetMouseCapture implementation in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted JavaScript strings, as demonstrated by use of an ms-help: URL that triggers loading of hxds.dll.
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 10, 11-developer-preview, 11-release-preview, 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 21, 2013.
Yes. It was added on Aug 12, 2025 with a federal remediation due date of Sep 2, 2025.
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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