CVE-2013-7331
MediumExploitedPublic exploitThe Microsoft.XMLDOM ActiveX control in Microsoft Windows 8.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to determine the existence of local pathnames, UNC share pathnames, intranet hostnames, and intranet IP addresses by examining error codes, as demonstrated by a res:// URL, and…
Published Feb 26, 2014 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2013-7331 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.5 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 26, 2014 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 50% 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
6.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:L
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
50%
Higher than 98.8% 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-2013-7331 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The Microsoft.XMLDOM ActiveX control in Microsoft Windows 8.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to determine the existence of local pathnames, UNC share pathnames, intranet hostnames, and intranet IP addresses by examining error codes, as demonstrated by a res:// URL, and exploited in the wild in February 2014.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 25, 2022 | Jun 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Feb 26, 2014 | Jun 15, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | May 25, 2022 | Jun 15, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 25, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
6 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 10, 11, 6, 7, 8, 9 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 26, 2014
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 26, 2014
Added to CISA KEV
May 25, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 25, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 25, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-209 Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information
References
- advisoryhttp://www.fireeye.com/blog/uncategorized/2014/02/operation-snowman-deputydog-actor-compromises-us-veterans-of-foreign-wars-website.html
- advisoryVU#539289
- advisory1030818
- patchMS14-052
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
The Microsoft.XMLDOM ActiveX control in Microsoft Windows 8.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to determine the existence of local pathnames, UNC share pathnames, intranet hostnames, and intranet IP addresses by examining error codes, as demonstrated by a res:// URL, and exploited in the wild in February 2014.
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 10, 11, 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 26, 2014 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on May 25, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 15, 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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