CVE-2018-8653
HighExploitedPublic exploitA remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 11, Internet Explorer 10.
Published Dec 20, 2018 · Updated Oct 29, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-8653 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Internet Explorer (Microsoft), Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11 and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 19, 2018. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 30% 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)
30%
Higher than 98.1% 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-2018-8653 brief as a PDF
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Description
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 11, Internet Explorer 10. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2018-8643.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 19, 2018 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | 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 |
| Internet Explorer 10 | >= Windows Server 2012 | n/a |
| Internet Explorer 11 | >= Windows 10 for 32-bit Systems | n/a |
| Internet Explorer 9 | >= Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 19, 2018
Publicly disclosed
Dec 20, 2018
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Oct 29, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write
References
- advisory106255
- patchhttps://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8653
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer, aka "Scripting Engine Memory Corruption Vulnerability." This affects Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 11, Internet Explorer 10.
Affected: Internet Explorer (Microsoft) versions 10, 11, 9; Internet Explorer 10 versions >= Windows Server 2012; Internet Explorer 11 versions >= Windows 10 for 32-bit Systems, 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 Dec 19, 2018.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 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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