CVE-2016-3298

Name: CVE-2016-3298
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-10-14T02:59:13.893+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 6.5/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 32.79%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-3298 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 6.5/10 on the CVSS scale. 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.". CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 32.79% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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."

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

32.79%

98.1th 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 14, 2022.

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	9	—
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	10	—
Microsoft	Internet Explorer	11	—
Microsoft	Windows 7	All versions	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	All versions	Sp2
Microsoft	Windows Server 2008	r2	Sp1
Microsoft	Windows Vista	All versions	Sp2

References

https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93392Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1036992Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-118Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-126Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93392Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.securitytracker.com/id/1036992Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-118Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2016/ms16-126Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-3298US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Oct 14, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-3298?

How severe is CVE-2016-3298?

CVE-2016-3298 has a CVSS score of 6.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 32.79% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2016-3298?

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.

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Source: NVD / NIST