CVE-2012-4969

Name: CVE-2012-4969
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2012-09-18T10:39:14.147+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.1/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 81.72%

Last modified Jun 16, 2026

CVE-2012-4969 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.1/10 on the CVSS scale. Use-after-free vulnerability in the CMshtmlEd::Exec function in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, as exploited in the wild in September 2012.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 81.72% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Use-after-free vulnerability in the CMshtmlEd::Exec function in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, as exploited in the wild in September 2012.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

81.72%

99.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Jun 22, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	6
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	7
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	8
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	9

References

http://blog.vulnhunt.com/index.php/2012/09/17/ie-execcommand-fuction-use-after-free-vulnerability-0day_en/Broken Link
http://dev.metasploit.com/redmine/projects/framework/repository/entry/modules/exploits/windows/browser/ie_execcommand_uaf.rbBroken Link
http://eromang.zataz.com/2012/09/16/zero-day-season-is-really-not-over-yet/Third Party Advisory
http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2757760Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/480095Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1027538Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securityweek.com/new-internet-explorer-zero-day-being-exploited-wildThird Party Advisory
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-255A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-262A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-265A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A15729Third Party Advisory
http://blog.vulnhunt.com/index.php/2012/09/17/ie-execcommand-fuction-use-after-free-vulnerability-0day_en/Broken Link
http://dev.metasploit.com/redmine/projects/framework/repository/entry/modules/exploits/windows/browser/ie_execcommand_uaf.rbBroken Link
http://eromang.zataz.com/2012/09/16/zero-day-season-is-really-not-over-yet/Third Party Advisory
http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2757760Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/480095Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1027538Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securityweek.com/new-internet-explorer-zero-day-being-exploited-wildThird Party Advisory
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-255A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-262A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-265A.htmlThird Party Advisory, US Government Resource
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A15729Third Party Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2012-4969US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Sep 18, 2012
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2012-4969?

How severe is CVE-2012-4969?

CVE-2012-4969 has a CVSS score of 8.1/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 81.72% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2012-4969?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2012-4969?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST