How severe is CVE-2009-0551?

CVE-2009-0551 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2009-0551 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 25% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-0551?

CVE-2009-0551 primarily affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-0551?

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-2009-0551 published?

CVE-2009-0551 was published on 2009-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-0551

CVE-2009-0551 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 25% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-399.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
CVSS v2: 9.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 25% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-399
Affected product: Microsoft Internet Explorer
Published: 2009-04-15
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1, 6 and 7 on Windows XP SP2 and SP3, 6 and 7 on Windows Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, 7 on Windows Vista Gold and SP1, and 7 on Windows Server 2008 does not properly handle transition errors in a request for one HTTP document followed by a request for a second HTTP document, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving (1) multiple crafted pages on a web site or (2) a web page with crafted inline content such as banner advertisements, aka "Page Transition Memory Corruption Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-0551?: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1, 6 and 7 on Windows XP SP2 and SP3, 6 and 7 on Windows Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, 7 on Windows Vista Gold and SP1, and 7 on Windows Server 2008 does not properly handle transition errors in a request for one HTTP document followed by a request for a second HTTP document, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving (1) multiple crafted pages on a web site or (2) a web page with crafted inline content such as banner advertisements, aka "Page Transition Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2009-0551?: CVE-2009-0551 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2009-0551 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 25% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-0551?: CVE-2009-0551 primarily affects Microsoft Internet Explorer. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-0551?: 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-2009-0551 published?: CVE-2009-0551 was published on 2009-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:7:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:6:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*

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