Use‑After‑Free in Microsoft Internet Explorer (CVE‑2012‑4792) Enables Remote Code Execution
What It Is — Microsoft Internet Explorer contains a use‑after‑free flaw in the handling of the CDwnBindInfo object. An attacker who convinces a victim to visit a malicious web page can trigger the bug and execute arbitrary code in the context of the user.
Exploitability — Public proof‑of‑concept code was released shortly after the vulnerability was disclosed; the CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8 (High), indicating a remote‑code‑execution vector that requires no authentication.
Affected Products — All supported versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer on Windows (IE 8, 9, 10, 11) prior to the security update released in March 2013.
Why It Matters for Trust & Control Assurance
- Demonstrates the need for continuous vulnerability management and timely patching as a core control objective.
- Provides audit evidence that an organization’s endpoint security program can detect, prioritize, and remediate high‑severity browser flaws.
- Highlights the importance of maintaining a defensible change‑control trail for software updates, a requirement increasingly demanded by enterprise buyers.
Recommended Actions
- Deploy Microsoft’s security update KB 2868725 (or later) that resolves CVE‑2012‑4792 on all affected endpoints.
- Verify the patch status with an automated asset‑inventory scan and document remediation in your change‑management system.
- Consider disabling or restricting Internet Explorer in favor of a modern, supported browser where feasible.
- Incorporate the vulnerability into your regular risk‑based patch‑prioritization process and retain evidence of compliance for audit reviews.
Source: CISA KEV – CVE‑2012‑4792