Executive Risk Summary
"A use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 and 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to gain control of the affected system."
Anticipated Attack Path
- 1. Initial Exploitation: Attacker crafts a malicious web site to exploit the use-after-free vulnerability
- 2. Privilege Escalation: Exploited code executes with the privileges of the current user
- 3. Lateral Movement: Attacker uses the compromised system to move laterally within the network
Am I Vulnerable?
- Verify that Internet Explorer 9 or 10 is installed and not patched
- Check for suspicious web site traffic or unusual system behavior
- Monitor system logs for signs of exploitation or malicious activity
Operational Audit Arsenal
Target Type Process
Target Asset iexplore.exe
Standard Path C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
PowerShell
# 🛠️ Senior Engineer Universal Audit
# Target: iexplore.exe (Process)
$Targets = 'iexplore.exe'
$SearchPaths = @("$env:windir\System32", "$env:ProgramFiles", "${env:ProgramFiles(x86)}")
Get-ChildItem -Path $SearchPaths -Include $Targets -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
Select-Object FullName, @{Name="Version";Expression={$_.VersionInfo.ProductVersion}}Patch Impact Forecast
Reboot Required Likely
Moderate, as the patch may require a system restart and may affect running applications
Internal Work Notes
Apply MS12-077 patch to Internet Explorer 9 and 10 to mitigate use-after-free vulnerability, potentially requiring a system restart and affecting running applications. PowerShell audit one-liner: Get-HotFix -Id KB2789642
Technical Intelligence & Operational Utilities • Delivered Weekly
Intelligence Sources
Official Advisoryhttp://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-346A.html
MSRC Advisoryhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2012/ms12-077
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A16211
Official Advisoryhttp://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA12-346A.html
MSRC Advisoryhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2012/ms12-077
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A16211
Related Microsoft Threats
Data compiled from NVD, MSRC, and CISA KEV Catalog. Intelligence synthesized via AI. Scripts provided for diagnostic purposes under MIT License.