CVE-2008-2256 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, 6, and 7 does not properly handle objects that have been incorrectly initialized or deleted, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors, aka "Uninitialized Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2256 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.01, 6, and 7. This issue stems from improper handling of objects that have been incorrectly initialized or deleted, creating a dangerous condition where malicious actors can exploit the browser's memory management mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the category of uninitialized memory corruption, which is classified as CWE-457, indicating the use of uninitialized memory in a security-sensitive context. Such flaws typically arise when software fails to properly initialize variables or objects before using them, creating unpredictable behavior that attackers can manipulate for malicious purposes.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of objects within Internet Explorer's memory space, particularly when dealing with improperly initialized or deleted objects. Attackers can craft malicious web content that triggers the browser to access memory locations containing uninitialized data or memory that has already been freed. This creates a scenario where the browser's memory management system becomes compromised, allowing for arbitrary code execution and potential system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service to include complete system control, as the uninitialized memory corruption can be leveraged to execute malicious payloads directly within the browser's process space.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to enterprise environments where older versions of Internet Explorer remain in use. The exploitability of this flaw means that attackers can remotely compromise systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer, increasing the attack surface significantly. Organizations running these older browser versions face substantial risk of exploitation, as the vulnerability can be used to establish persistent access to compromised systems and potentially escalate privileges to gain full administrative control.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through patch management and browser upgrades to modern versions of Internet Explorer or alternative browsers. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing browser security policies that restrict access to potentially malicious content and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and application whitelisting to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation typically involves executing malicious code within the browser environment. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that many organizations continue to support legacy browser versions, creating ongoing security risks that require immediate attention and remediation.