CVE-2016-3298

Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary

Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 and the Internet Messaging API in Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 SP1 contain an information disclosure vulnerability that permits remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files on a target system through a specially crafted web site. The flaw is tracked as CVE-2016-3298 with a CVSS score of 6.5, reflecting network attack vector, low complexity, and no required privileges beyond user interaction.

A remote attacker can host or compromise a web site that triggers the vulnerability when visited by a user running the affected software, resulting in disclosure of whether specific files are present without affecting confidentiality beyond existence checks or enabling further integrity or availability impacts.

Microsoft addressed the issue through security updates published in bulletins MS16-118 and MS16-126, which practitioners should apply to the listed Windows and Internet Explorer versions to prevent exploitation.