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Exploit:HTML/Meadgive.AC
Aliases: No associated aliases
Summary
Windows Defender detects and removes this threat.
This threat loads a malicious Adobe Flash object in your browser in order to download malware, including ransomware such as Ransom:Win32/Cerber.
You might be redirected to the web page that loads the object without your consent.
The malicious Adobe Flash object exploits the vulnerability described in CVE-2015-8651 and Adobe Security Bulletin APSB16-01.
Note that you might get an alert about this threat even if you're not using a vulnerable version of the application. This is because we detect when a website or file tries to use the vulnerability, even if it isn't successful.
Read more about how this threat is being used by cybercriminals in this blog post:
- Exploit kits remain a cybercrime staple against outdated software – 2016 threat landscape review series
- Ransomware: a declining nuisance or an evolving menace?
- No slowdown in Cerber ransomware activity as 2016 draws to a close
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
- Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find hidden malware.
Update Adobe Flash
Make sure you install all available updates:
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.
