CVE-2012-1889 Microsoft XML Core Services Memory Corruption

Exploited in the wild High 8.8 Published 13 Jun 2012 Updated 22 Oct 2025

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service via crafted websites exploiting uninitialized memory access in Microsoft XML Core Services.

Exploited in the wild: Since 8 Jun 2022
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2012-1889?

CVE-2012-1889 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in n/a, published on 13 Jun 2012. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

Microsoft XML Core Services 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 accesses uninitialized memory locations, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2012-1889?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Microsoft Xml Core Services.

How do I fix CVE-2012-1889?

No fix has been published for CVE-2012-1889 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available. US federal agencies must fix it by 22 Jun 2022.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2012-1889 being exploited?

Yes. Attackers have exploited CVE-2012-1889 in the wild since at least 8 Jun 2022.

Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module, 1 Exploit-DB entry and 2 proofs of concept on GitHub.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-hv88-2gcv-6mjq.