CVE-2013-0025: Internet Explorer 8 use-after-free allows remote code execution

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 19 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityRemote code execution in a widely deployed browser with a high EPSS score, though the product is legacy and no KEV listing confirms active exploitation.

What it is

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 contains a use-after-free flaw (SLayoutRun) where a crafted web page triggers access to a deleted object. Successful exploitation lets a remote attacker run arbitrary code in the context of the browsing user, making it a serious client-side risk for unpatched IE8 systems.

Impact

An attacker can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-on user, potentially leading to full system compromise. Typical outcomes include data theft, malware installation, or further lateral movement from the victim host.

Attack surface

Reached over the network via a crafted web site viewed in Internet Explorer 8; no authentication is required, but the victim must visit the malicious page or a compromised site hosting the exploit. The CVSS vector AV:N/AC:M/Au:N indicates medium attack complexity and no authentication.

Exploitation

Not listed in CISA KEV and no public exploit tags appear in the references, but EPSS is 0.55765 (99th percentile), indicating a high modeled likelihood of exploitation activity. The record does not confirm in-the-wild exploitation.

What to do

• Apply Microsoft security bulletin MS13-009, which addresses this vulnerability, or upgrade to a supported Internet Explorer version.
• Retire or isolate Internet Explorer 8 where it cannot be patched.
• Enforce EMET or equivalent exploit mitigations on legacy IE8 endpoints as a stopgap.
• Restrict browsing to trusted sites and block known malicious domains at the network edge.
• Disable or remove unnecessary IE8 components and ActiveX controls to reduce the attack surface.

Detection

• Monitor for IE8 crashes or abnormal process terminations that may indicate use-after-free exploitation attempts.
• Hunt for suspicious child processes spawned by iexplore.exe, such as script interpreters or command shells.
• Review proxy and DNS logs for access to newly registered or low-reputation domains serving exploit pages.
• Correlate endpoint telemetry for memory corruption indicators in IE8 processes with subsequent payload execution.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.