CVE-2008-3476 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 SP4 and 6 does not properly handle errors associated with access to uninitialized memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTML document, aka "HTML Objects Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3476 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.01 Service Pack 4 and 6. This vulnerability stems from improper error handling mechanisms when Internet Explorer attempts to access uninitialized memory segments during HTML object processing. The flaw manifests when the browser encounters specially crafted HTML documents that trigger memory access violations, creating conditions where malicious code can be executed with the privileges of the currently logged-in user.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption pattern where the browser's handling of uninitialized memory objects creates exploitable conditions. When Internet Explorer processes malformed HTML content containing crafted objects, the memory management subsystem fails to properly validate memory access operations, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers. The vulnerability specifically impacts the browser's object model handling and memory allocation routines, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios where users might encounter malicious content through email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited without user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can craft HTML documents that, when rendered by the vulnerable browser, cause memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability falls under CWE-125: Uninitialized Memory Read, which is a well-documented pattern in software security where programs access memory that has not been properly initialized. The attack surface is broad as it affects widely deployed browser versions that were prevalent in 2008, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation campaigns.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. The attack vector typically involves social engineering to get users to visit malicious websites or open compromised email attachments, leveraging the browser as the attack platform. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can establish persistent access to target systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. Organizations running these vulnerable browser versions face significant risk as the exploitation does not require user interaction beyond normal web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3476 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and browser security hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through their regular security bulletin process, which should be prioritized for installation across all affected systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing browser security policies such as disabling ActiveX controls, enabling protected view modes, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content. Organizations should also consider browser virtualization and sandboxing technologies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how memory corruption vulnerabilities can serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape.