CVE-2016-0189
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe Microsoft (1) JScript 5.8 and (2) VBScript 5.7 and 5.8 engines, as used in Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and other products, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine…
Published May 10, 2016 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-0189 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft), Jscript (Microsoft), Vbscript (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since May 10, 2016 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 94% 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
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
94%
Higher than 99.8% 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-2016-0189 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 (1) JScript 5.8 and (2) VBScript 5.7 and 5.8 engines, as used in Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and other products, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0187.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | May 10, 2016 | Apr 18, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 28, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 28, 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, 9 | n/a |
| JscriptMicrosoft | 5.8 | n/a |
| VbscriptMicrosoft | 5.7, 5.8 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
May 10, 2016
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 10, 2016
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 28, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 28, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 28, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write
References
FAQ
Common Questions.
The Microsoft (1) JScript 5.8 and (2) VBScript 5.7 and 5.8 engines, as used in Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and other products, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different…
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 10, 11, 9; Jscript (Microsoft) versions 5.8; Vbscript (Microsoft) versions 5.7, 5.8. 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 May 10, 2016 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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