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Exploit:Java/CVE-2012-4681
Aliases: No associated aliases
Summary
Microsoft security software detects and removes this threat.
This threat uses a software vulnerability to download and run other files on your PC, including malware.
It runs when you visit a hacked website and you have a vulnerable version of Java. A number of legitimate websites could be hacked to unwillingly host this threat.
The following versions of Java are vulnerable:
- Oracle Java JDK and JRE 7 Update 5 and earlier
- JRE 6 Update 34 and earlier
To check if you're running a vulnerable version of Java:
- Go to the control panel (Select Start then Control Panel)
- Select Programs. If Java is installed you will see it in the list of installed programs. Click it to open the Java Control Panel.
- On the General tab, click About to see which version of Java you have installed.
You might get a detection for this threat when you visit a website that has the malicious code, even if you're not using a vulnerable version of Java. This doesn't mean that you have been compromised; it means an attempt to hack into your PC has been made.
The vulnerability that this threat exploits is described in CVE-2012-4681.
Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove this threat:
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, or Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7 and Windows Vista
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find other, hidden malware.
Update Java
Make sure you install all available Java updates. You can read more about this vulnerability and download software updates from these links:
You should remove older versions of Java, as keeping old and unsupported versions of Java on your PC is a serious security risk:
If you continue to get alerted about this threat, deleting your temporary Java files can help:
It's also important to keep your other software up to date:
Get more help
You can also visit our advanced troubleshooting page or search the Microsoft virus and malware community for more help.
If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.