How severe is CVE-2016-7278?

CVE-2016-7278 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.3, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2016-7278 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 15% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-7278?

CVE-2016-7278 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-2016-7278?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2016-7278 published?

CVE-2016-7278 was published on 2016-12-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-7278

CVE-2016-7278 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 15% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-200.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.3)
CVSS v2: 2.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 15% (96th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-200
Affected product: Microsoft Internet Explorer
Published: 2016-12-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from process memory via a crafted web site, aka "Windows Hyperlink Object Library Information Disclosure Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-7278?: Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from process memory via a crafted web site, aka "Windows Hyperlink Object Library Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2016-7278?: CVE-2016-7278 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.3, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2016-7278 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 15% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-7278?: CVE-2016-7278 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-2016-7278?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2016-7278 published?: CVE-2016-7278 was published on 2016-12-20 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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