CVE-2013-2551VulnerabilityPublished 03/28/2022Updated 10/24/2026

CVE-2013-2551: Microsoft Internet Explorer Use-After-Free Vulnerability

Affects Microsoft Internet ExplorerSource CISA KEV

Severity

High

No CVSS score published yet

Exploitation: Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 03/28/2022
KEV deadline: 04/18/2022
Ransomware: Used in ransomware campaigns
EPSS: 73.9% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 99% of CVEs

What to do

CISA required action

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2013-2551 (opens in a new tab)

Description

CVE-2013-2551 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by triggering access to a deleted object via a crafted website. This vulnerability has been exploited in the wild and is associated with known ransomware campaigns.

Summary

This vulnerability involves a use-after-free condition in Microsoft Internet Explorer, where a crafted web page can cause the browser to access memory that has already been freed. This can lead to remote code execution by attackers who lure users to malicious websites. The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2013-2551 and has been observed in active exploitation scenarios, including ransomware campaigns.

Impact

Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability has been exploited in the wild, increasing the risk to users of vulnerable Internet Explorer versions.

Mitigation

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no specific patch or remediation information is provided, users should verify with Microsoft for updates or mitigations related to CVE-2013-2551. Employing updated browsers or disabling vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer may reduce exposure.

Weaknesses

CWE-416Use After Free (opens in a new tab)

What to do

Description

AnalysisAI-generated, updated 10/24/2026, 11:11:30 UTC

Weaknesses

References

Related threats