Evidence dossier

CVE-2016-3298

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 allow remote attackers to…

Exploited in the wild (CISA KEV since May 24, 2022). NVD reports CVSS 3.1 6.5. EPSS estimates 32.8% exploit likelihood as of Aug 27, 2026.

72.373.4Priority evidence range
Evidence current through Aug 27, 2026, 6:09 PM UTC

As of Aug 27, 2026

Normalized restatement

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 allow remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability."

State
PUBLISHED
Published
Oct 14, 2016
Updated
Oct 21, 2025
Evidence coverage
98%

Evidence chronology

What was known when

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  1. Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCA
    CISA-ADP

    Record text: CISA ADP Vulnrichment

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    container
    Value
    CISA ADP Vulnrichment
    Original evidence ↗
  2. Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCA
    CVE Program

    Record text: CVE Program Container

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    container
    Value
    CVE Program Container
    Original evidence ↗
  3. Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCA
    microsoft

    Record text: 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 allow remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability."

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    container
    Value
    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 allow remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
    Original evidence ↗
  4. Source dateFirst observed by CASCA
    CISA KEV

    Exploitation cataloged: Microsoft Internet Explorer Messaging API Information Disclosure Vulnerability

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    observed_exploitation
    Value
    Microsoft Internet Explorer Messaging API Information Disclosure Vulnerability
    Original evidence ↗
  5. Source dateFirst observed by CASCA
    FIRST EPSS

    EPSS score: 32.79% probability · 98.22th percentile

    Inspect raw assertion
    Field
    model_probability
    Value
    Probability 0.327900000000; percentile 0.982220000000
    Original evidence ↗
ExploitationCatalog member

CISA KEV · catalog date May 24, 2022 · first observed Jul 19, 2026

Exploit likelihood32.79%

FIRST EPSS · score date Aug 27, 2026 · 98.2th percentile · first observed Aug 27, 2026

SeverityCVSS 6.5

NVD · CVSS 3.1 · first observed Jul 19, 2026 · same-version scores align in this snapshot

Evidence detail

Source limits and decisions

Why each evidence state has this value

casca-unknown-reasons-v1
Exploitation statusEvidence supported

Eligible evidence is present for this bounded claim.

Revision
evidence-policy-v1.1.0
Cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Resolution
None
Exploit likelihoodEvidence supported

Eligible evidence is present for this bounded claim.

Revision
evidence-policy-v1.1.0
Cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Resolution
None
Severity assessmentEvidence supported

Eligible evidence is present for this bounded claim.

Revision
casca-direct-cvss-eligibility-v1
Cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Resolution
None
Affected productsSource-reported scope

The cited source assertion is retained while canonical product linkage remains open.

Revision
casca-factor-d-obligations-v1
Cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Resolution
Resolve identity

Source comparison

Who said what

CISA-ADPIndependent enrichment
Record text

CISA ADP Vulnrichment

Inspect raw assertion
Field
container
Value
CISA ADP Vulnrichment
Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗
CVE ProgramDerivative copy
Record text

CVE Program Container

Inspect raw assertion
Field
container
Value
CVE Program Container
Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗
microsoftOriginal assertion
Record text

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 allow remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability."

Inspect raw assertion
Field
container
Value
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 allow remote attackers to determine the existence of arbitrary files via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
Source dateSource date omittedFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗
CISA KEVOriginal assertion
Exploitation cataloged

Microsoft Internet Explorer Messaging API Information Disclosure Vulnerability

Inspect raw assertion
Field
observed_exploitation
Value
Microsoft Internet Explorer Messaging API Information Disclosure Vulnerability
Source dateFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗
FIRST EPSSOriginal assertion
EPSS score

32.79% probability · 98.22th percentile

Inspect raw assertion
Field
model_probability
Value
Probability 0.327900000000; percentile 0.982220000000
Source dateFirst observed by CASCAOriginal evidence ↗

Applicability

Cited product scope

Trace impact →
19Underlying assertions
10Canonical products
8Target assertions
11Constraint assertions

Grouped from 7 configuration nodes in this exact snapshot. Visual grouping is navigational; asset exposure and root cause require cited evidence.

Identity source boundaries
  • Cpe dictionary1,775,266 records · observed through 2026-07-21T06:45:29.809Z27d65b0f-b718-4b4f-bb79-c47c68d09dfa
  • Cpe match643,502 records · observed through 2026-07-21T08:13:17.697Z955dae73-7302-438b-aee1-058d7cc5d48e

14 scope groups

microsoft · source assertedn/an/aDirect source scope
Affected: n/a
Source-reported scope

Canonical linkage remains open; the cited source assertion is retained below.

Inspect raw assertion[{"status": "affected", "version": "n/a"}]
NVD CPE · APPLICATIONmicrosoftinternet_explorerVulnerable target · 3 assertions
Version 10; Version 11; Version 9Canonical identity product-d26e3505f2452daa926474c7ca23fc78f73a7b20902783174428ff8d6e276baaLinked exact
Scope supported
Inspect raw assertions
  1. cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:11:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    2 · node/0 · match 0
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    d7809f78-8d56-4925-a8f9-4119b973a667
  2. cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    1 · node/0 · match 0
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    d5808661-a082-4cbe-808c-b253972487b4
  3. cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:internet_explorer:9:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    0 · node/0 · match 0
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    c043eddd-41bf-4718-bdcf-158bbbdb6360
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_10_1507Environmental constraint · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-9851bd571b8ab08bca589cd73710badfef557d036f0fb7707f694f1c9f597cb4Linked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10_1507:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    2 · node/1 · match 0
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    542daeec-73cc-46c6-a630-bf474a3446ac
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_10_1511Environmental constraint · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-7b807aecec9e7ce1999b1cdf357022e504d2f3daa554142c46b57e2c37e3597aLinked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10_1511:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    2 · node/1 · match 1
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    7a8e9d99-bd78-4340-88f2-5aff27ac37c9
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_10_1607Environmental constraint · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-740fec3e9838b5eabe76ebe27e4d0d7a4cb2e0ef7e13923300d3d0b51e3fce1cLinked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_10_1607:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    2 · node/1 · match 2
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    61019899-d7af-46e4-a72c-d189180f66ab
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_7Vulnerable target · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-f20a05098a41a238f96b56b817d0482887bb39ad40620198bbe05da10ee02ffcLinked exact
Scope supported
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_7:-:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    3 · node/0 · match 0
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    c2b1c231-de19-4b8f-a4aa-5b3a65276e46
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_7Environmental constraint · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-f20a05098a41a238f96b56b817d0482887bb39ad40620198bbe05da10ee02ffcLinked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_7:-:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    2 · node/1 · match 3
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    c2b1c231-de19-4b8f-a4aa-5b3a65276e46
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_8.1Environmental constraint · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-7e46de82012029583622f69d79b86bc210b5bd25b8cb3bb4468936702b23c4b0Linked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_8.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    2 · node/1 · match 4
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    e93068db-549b-45ab-8e5c-00eb5d8b5cf8
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_rt_8.1Environmental constraint · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-076c7e47c78d9425d54dea0b063ed7cd79e5f9f0bfdb3c9153b8aec4e71a7ad9Linked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_rt_8.1:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    2 · node/1 · match 5
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    c6ce5198-c498-4672-af4c-77ab4be06c5c
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_server_2008Vulnerable target · 3 assertions
Version not applicable; Version r2Canonical identity product-217b1ab3d25f361a639824f86753d418b35aa2a816ee370bb71b5d1dd883d87aLinked exact
Scope supported
Inspect raw assertions
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:r2:sp1:*:*:*:*:itanium:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    3 · node/0 · match 2
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    b320a104-9037-487e-bc9a-62b4a6b49fd0
  2. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    3 · node/0 · match 1
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    5f422a8c-2c4e-42c8-b420-e0728037e15c
  3. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:r2:sp1:*:*:*:*:x64:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    3 · node/0 · match 3
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    af07a81d-12e5-4b1d-bff9-c8d08c32ff4f
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_server_2008Environmental constraint · 2 assertions
Version not applicable; Version r2Canonical identity product-217b1ab3d25f361a639824f86753d418b35aa2a816ee370bb71b5d1dd883d87aLinked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertions
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:r2:sp1:*:*:*:*:x64:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    2 · node/1 · match 6
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    af07a81d-12e5-4b1d-bff9-c8d08c32ff4f
  2. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    0 · node/1 · match 0
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    5f422a8c-2c4e-42c8-b420-e0728037e15c
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_server_2012Environmental constraint · 2 assertions
Version not applicable; Version r2Canonical identity product-5a80416e92fed0cddbb3d4f3840218b448dee11159824ad25a0353da566963feLinked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertions
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    2 · node/1 · match 7
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    db18c4ce-5917-401e-acf7-2747084fd36e
  2. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2012:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    1 · node/1 · match 0
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    a7df96f8-ba6a-4780-9ca3-f719b3f81074
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_vistaVulnerable target · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-c6332934cac78bf2604a03402cb66568f867ce86c773d4333d1205e477bf93a9Linked exact
Scope supported
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Vulnerable target
    Configuration
    3 · node/0 · match 4
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    bf1ad1a1-ee20-4bce-9ee6-84b27139811c
NVD CPE · OPERATING SYSTEMmicrosoftwindows_vistaEnvironmental constraint · 1 assertions
Version not applicableCanonical identity product-c6332934cac78bf2604a03402cb66568f867ce86c773d4333d1205e477bf93a9Linked exact
Scope constrained
Inspect raw assertion
  1. cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
    Official link
    Linked exact
    Role
    Environmental constraint
    Configuration
    0 · node/1 · match 1
    Logic
    OR
    Version bounds
    No explicit bounds
    Match ID
    bf1ad1a1-ee20-4bce-9ee6-84b27139811c

Affected-product evidence

Accepted scope and product mapping

4 canonical links · 1 source-reported links

Mapping establishedEvidence supported

vendor-01299a5a765aea70faa05f2d06e0c26a5d498fd34553e868d89e8a43b31864db · product-217b1ab3d25f361a639824f86753d418b35aa2a816ee370bb71b5d1dd883d87a

Source class
Nvd cpe vulnerable target
Assertions
3
Mapping revision
cpe23-exact-mapping-v1
Observed cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Retained assertion IDs
0c8fccbb-2de7-4e41-97b7-77857ee3b7d938035549-0603-4d17-86f0-7222b84509177d49c3ec-4cbb-4bec-a50d-6b93b5b8f9cc
Mapping establishedEvidence supported

vendor-01299a5a765aea70faa05f2d06e0c26a5d498fd34553e868d89e8a43b31864db · product-c6332934cac78bf2604a03402cb66568f867ce86c773d4333d1205e477bf93a9

Source class
Nvd cpe vulnerable target
Assertions
1
Mapping revision
cpe23-exact-mapping-v1
Observed cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Retained assertion IDs
3464a40b-ced9-4b7f-9fcd-10c2d33d0b50
Mapping establishedEvidence supported

vendor-01299a5a765aea70faa05f2d06e0c26a5d498fd34553e868d89e8a43b31864db · product-d26e3505f2452daa926474c7ca23fc78f73a7b20902783174428ff8d6e276baa

Source class
Nvd cpe vulnerable target
Assertions
3
Mapping revision
cpe23-exact-mapping-v1
Observed cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Retained assertion IDs
380877d3-a8f0-4a15-916c-64f20ac06e0f918814ab-fbc4-43ba-828e-960747f35d84e40f6774-6566-4ed6-a9d1-0db4d584ddb0
Mapping establishedEvidence supported

vendor-01299a5a765aea70faa05f2d06e0c26a5d498fd34553e868d89e8a43b31864db · product-f20a05098a41a238f96b56b817d0482887bb39ad40620198bbe05da10ee02ffc

Source class
Nvd cpe vulnerable target
Assertions
1
Mapping revision
cpe23-exact-mapping-v1
Observed cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Retained assertion IDs
307ef28f-809d-446e-a135-316516eca3df
Source-reported scopeSource-reported scope

Canonical linkage remains open; the cited source assertion is retained below.

Vendor specified only by source · Product specified only by source

Source class
Direct cve affected
Assertions
1
Mapping revision
cpe23-exact-mapping-v1
Observed cutoff
Aug 27, 2026
Retained assertion IDs
fea3d450-eb30-4682-ad29-67f75511912f

Assessments

CVSS by origin

6.5
NVDCVSS 3.1 · role Primary · priority eligiblevalid_matchCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
2.6
NVDCVSS 2.0 · role Primary · priority eligiblevalid_matchAV:N/AC:H/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
6.5
CVE Program sourceCVSS 3.1 · role Secondary · priority eligiblevalid_matchCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
6.5
CISA-ADPCVSS 3.1 · role unknown · display onlyDirect record assessment retained outside normalized eligibilityCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Direct CVE/CNA normalized decisions

6.5Priority eligible

CISA-ADP

CVSS 3.1 · Secondary · Independent enrichment · rank 2

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Validation
Valid match
Recomputed
6.5
Decision reason
Evidence supported
Policy
casca-direct-cvss-eligibility-v1

Assessments are retained side by side under closed precedence. Cascade never averages CVSS.

Evidence boundaries

  • KEV membership is authoritative for the catalog, not proof of exposure in any environment.
  • EPSS is a dated model probability and not an individual-environment prediction.
  • Affected or fixed status applies only to the exact cited product and version scope; remaining scope stays source-scoped.
  • NVD-carried upstream facts remain derivative; independent corroboration requires a separately authored source.
  • Only NVD metrics validated under the generation-bound calculator are Public Priority eligible; direct CVE record metrics remain display-only.
  • NVD CVSS source eligibility is closed: NVD-authored, exact record-source, or registered same-CVE container origin; unmapped sources remain display-only.
  • Core replay supports the active and immediately prior generation; retrospective valid-at replay is deferred.
  • OSV aggregation and OSV-converted NVD material are not independent corroboration.
  • Red Hat facts are vendor assertions for the exact supplied products.
  • Nonmembership and not-yet-observed states are not proof of safety.