CVE-2016-3298
MediumExploitedPublic exploitMicrosoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and the Internet Messaging API in Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 allow remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Information…
Published Oct 13, 2016 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-3298 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.5 v3.1) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft), Windows 7 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 12, 2016 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 33% 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:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
33%
Higher than 98.3% 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-2016-3298 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and the Internet Messaging API in Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 allow remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 24, 2022 | Jun 14, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 12, 2016 | Jun 14, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | May 24, 2022 | Jun 14, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 24, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
8 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet ExplorerMicrosoft | 10, 11, 9 | n/a |
| Windows 7Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 2008Microsoft | r2-sp1 | n/a |
| Windows VistaMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 12, 2016
Publicly disclosed
Oct 13, 2016
Added to CISA KEV
May 24, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 24, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 24, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
References
- advisory93392
- advisory1036992
- patchMS16-118
- patchMS16-126
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and the Internet Messaging API in Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 allow remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 10, 11, 9; Windows 7 (Microsoft); Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) versions r2-sp1, among others. 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 Apr 12, 2016 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on May 24, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 14, 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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