How severe is CVE-2016-3353?

CVE-2016-3353 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-3353 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 12% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-3353?

CVE-2016-3353 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-2016-3353?

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-2016-3353 published?

CVE-2016-3353 was published on 2016-09-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-3353

CVE-2016-3353 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 12% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-254.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.3)
CVSS v2: 5.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 12% (96th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-254
Affected product: Microsoft Internet Explorer
Published: 2016-09-14
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 mishandles .url files from the Internet zone, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted file, aka "Internet Explorer Security Feature Bypass."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-3353?: Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 mishandles .url files from the Internet zone, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted file, aka "Internet Explorer Security Feature Bypass."
How severe is CVE-2016-3353?: CVE-2016-3353 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-3353 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 12% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-3353?: CVE-2016-3353 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-2016-3353?: 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-2016-3353 published?: CVE-2016-3353 was published on 2016-09-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:9:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:11:-:*:*:*:*:*:*

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