CVE-2007-5456

CVE-2007-5456 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 20% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-94.

Key facts

Description

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass the "File Download - Security Warning" dialog box and download arbitrary .exe files by placing a '?' (question mark) followed by a non-.exe filename after the .exe filename, as demonstrated by (1) .txt, (2) .cda, (3) .log, (4) .dif, (5) .sol, (6) .htt, (7) .itpc, (8) .itms, (9) .dvr-ms, (10) .dib, (11) .asf, (12) .tif, and unspecified other extensions, a different issue than CVE-2004-1331. NOTE: this issue might not cross privilege boundaries, although it does bypass an intended protection mechanism.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2007-5456?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass the "File Download - Security Warning" dialog box and download arbitrary .exe files by placing a '?' (question mark) followed by a non-.exe filename after the .exe filename, as demonstrated by (1) .txt, (2) .cda, (3) .log, (4) .dif, (5) .sol, (6) .htt, (7) .itpc, (8) .itms, (9) .dvr-ms, (10) .dib, (11) .asf, (12) .tif, and unspecified other extensions, a different issue than CVE-2004-1331. NOTE: this issue might not cross privilege boundaries, although it does bypass an intended protection mechanism.
How severe is CVE-2007-5456?
CVE-2007-5456 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2007-5456 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 20% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2007-5456?
CVE-2007-5456 affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2007-5456?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2007-5456 published?
CVE-2007-5456 was published on 2007-10-14 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

More vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer

All CVEs affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer →

Other CWE-94 (Code Injection) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-94 (Code Injection) vulnerabilities →