CVE-2012-4774

CVE-2012-4774 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 7 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 21% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-94.

Key facts

Description

Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) file name or (2) subfolder name that triggers use of unallocated memory as the destination of a copy operation, aka "Windows Filename Parsing Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2012-4774?
Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) file name or (2) subfolder name that triggers use of unallocated memory as the destination of a copy operation, aka "Windows Filename Parsing Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2012-4774?
CVE-2012-4774 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2012-4774 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 21% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2012-4774?
CVE-2012-4774 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 7. In total, 17 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2012-4774?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2012-4774 published?
CVE-2012-4774 was published on 2012-12-12 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (17)

More vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows 7

All CVEs affecting Microsoft Windows 7 →

Other CWE-94 (Code Injection) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-94 (Code Injection) vulnerabilities →