CVE-2013-3893

Name: CVE-2013-3893
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2013-09-18T10:08:24.867+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 85.93%

Last modified Jun 16, 2026

CVE-2013-3893 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Use-after-free vulnerability in the SetMouseCapture implementation in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted JavaScript strings, as demonstrated by use of an ms-help: URL that triggers loading of hxds.dll.. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 85.93% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Use-after-free vulnerability in the SetMouseCapture implementation in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted JavaScript strings, as demonstrated by use of an ms-help: URL that triggers loading of hxds.dll.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

85.93%

99.7th 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 Sep 2, 2025.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	6	—
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	7	—
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	8	—
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	9	—
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	10	—
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	11	Developer-Preview

References

http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2013/09/17/cve-2013-3893-fix-it-workaround-available.aspxExploit
http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2013/10/08/ms13-080-addresses-two-vulnerabilities-under-limited-targeted-attacks.aspxVendor Advisory
http://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN27443259/index.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://jvndb.jvn.jp/ja/contents/2013/JVNDB-2013-000093.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162585/Microsoft-Internet-Explorer-8-SetMouseCapture-Use-After-Free.htmlExploit
http://pastebin.com/raw.php?i=Hx1L5gu6Exploit
http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2887505Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/62453Broken Link
http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-288AUS Government Resource
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2013/ms13-080Vendor Advisory
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A18665Broken Link
http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2013/09/17/cve-2013-3893-fix-it-workaround-available.aspxExploit
http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2013/10/08/ms13-080-addresses-two-vulnerabilities-under-limited-targeted-attacks.aspxVendor Advisory
http://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN27443259/index.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://jvndb.jvn.jp/ja/contents/2013/JVNDB-2013-000093.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162585/Microsoft-Internet-Explorer-8-SetMouseCapture-Use-After-Free.htmlExploit
http://pastebin.com/raw.php?i=Hx1L5gu6Exploit
http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2887505Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/62453Broken Link
http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA13-288AUS Government Resource
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2013/ms13-080Vendor Advisory
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A18665Broken Link
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2013-3893US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Sep 18, 2013
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2013-3893?

How severe is CVE-2013-3893?

CVE-2013-3893 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 85.93% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2013-3893?

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-2013-3893?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST