CVE-2006-3638 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 and 6 does not properly handle uninitialized COM objects, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) and possibly execute arbitrary code, as demonstrated by the Nth function in the DirectAnimation.DATuple ActiveX control, aka "COM Object Instantiation Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3638 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.01 and 6 that stems from improper handling of uninitialized COM objects. This issue specifically affects the DirectAnimation.DATuple ActiveX control where the Nth function fails to properly initialize COM objects before use, creating a predictable exploitation vector for remote attackers. The flaw exists at the core of how Internet Explorer manages ActiveX component instantiation and memory allocation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables, and more specifically relates to CWE-125, representing out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when uninitialized memory is accessed. The memory corruption occurs during COM object instantiation when the ActiveX control attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly initialized, leading to unpredictable behavior that can manifest as denial of service conditions or arbitrary code execution. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious web content that triggers the vulnerable Nth function within the DirectAnimation.DATuple control, causing the browser to attempt operations on uninitialized memory segments.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users of legacy Internet Explorer versions, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain full system control. The exploitability of this flaw means that simply visiting a compromised website could result in system compromise, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where older browser versions may still be in use. The vulnerability impacts not only individual users but also organizations that have not fully migrated away from deprecated browser technologies, creating widespread exposure across various network environments.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through web browsers that support ActiveX controls, with exploitation occurring through malicious websites or web-based content that loads the vulnerable DirectAnimation.DATuple ActiveX control. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203, which covers "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1059, representing "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including browser updates, ActiveX control restrictions, and network-based protections to prevent exploitation. The most effective long-term solution involves complete migration away from unsupported Internet Explorer versions and adoption of modern security practices that eliminate the use of vulnerable ActiveX technologies.