CVE-2008-1085 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 SP4, 6 through SP1, and 7 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted data stream that triggers memory corruption, as demonstrated using an invalid MIME-type that does not have a registered handler.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1085 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer spanning versions 5.01 Service Pack 4 through Internet Explorer 7. This security weakness falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, where a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Internet Explorer processes a crafted data stream containing an invalid MIME-type that lacks a registered handler, leading to memory corruption that adversaries can exploit to gain arbitrary code execution privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Internet Explorer's handling of multimedia content and data streams. When the browser encounters a malformed MIME-type without a proper handler, the memory management system fails to properly release allocated resources, leaving dangling pointers that can be manipulated by attackers. This memory corruption typically results in the execution of malicious code within the context of the user's session, potentially allowing full system compromise. The attack vector leverages the browser's data stream processing capabilities, specifically targeting the way Internet Explorer manages content that does not conform to standard MIME-type registrations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access within compromised systems. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables adversaries to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The widespread adoption of Internet Explorer across enterprise environments and the prevalence of web-based attacks make this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can be leveraged through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web pages. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability's exploitation often requires user interaction, typically through visiting a malicious website, but once triggered, the consequences can be severe.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1085 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through their regular security bulletin process, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches across all affected Internet Explorer versions. Additional protective measures include implementing browser hardening techniques such as disabling automatic execution of ActiveX controls, restricting access to potentially malicious MIME-types, and employing enhanced security configurations through group policy settings. Network-based defenses can include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious data streams. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as part of the 'Exploitation for Execution' tactic emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive endpoint protection measures to prevent successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability.