CVE-2009-0551 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1, 6 and 7 on Windows XP SP2 and SP3, 6 and 7 on Windows Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, 7 on Windows Vista Gold and SP1, and 7 on Windows Server 2008 does not properly handle transition errors in a request for one HTTP document followed by a request for a second HTTP document, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving (1) multiple crafted pages on a web site or (2) a web page with crafted inline content such as banner advertisements, aka "Page Transition Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0551 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6, 6 SP1, and 7 across multiple Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically manifests during page transition scenarios where the browser handles requests for multiple HTTP documents sequentially. The flaw occurs when Internet Explorer processes a transition error between two consecutive web page requests, creating a condition where memory becomes corrupted and potentially exploitable. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which is a common precursor to arbitrary code execution attacks. The issue affects a broad range of Windows platforms including Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Windows Vista Gold and SP1, and Windows Server 2008, making it particularly dangerous due to its widespread impact across enterprise environments.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the browser's handling of page transitions when processing multiple HTTP requests in sequence. When a user navigates from one page to another or when a page dynamically loads additional content, Internet Explorer attempts to manage memory resources for both the current and transitioning pages. The flaw occurs in the memory management routines that handle these transitions, specifically when dealing with malformed or crafted HTTP responses that trigger error conditions during the page transition process. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious web pages or inline content such as banner advertisements that contain specially formatted data. The attack vector operates through the manipulation of memory pointers and buffer handling during the transition phase, where the browser's memory management code fails to properly validate input data before processing it, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a fundamental flaw in how Internet Explorer manages memory during web page transitions. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser, which could lead to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly broad since it can be triggered through multiple vectors including multiple crafted web pages on a website or through malicious inline content such as banner advertisements. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of Internet Explorer and Windows operating systems means that organizations with legacy systems were particularly vulnerable, as the flaw existed in widely deployed software versions. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability fits well within the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and control communication, as it provides a reliable method for executing malicious code on target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0551 required immediate patch deployment from Microsoft as part of the regular security update cycle, which was released as part of the March 2009 security updates. Organizations needed to implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems received the security updates promptly. Additionally, network administrators should have implemented browser hardening measures such as disabling automatic execution of ActiveX controls, implementing content filtering solutions, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious content. The vulnerability also highlighted the importance of keeping Internet Explorer updated and considering alternative browsers for environments where the risk of exploitation was particularly high. Security awareness training for users became critical as the attack vectors often involved social engineering elements where users might inadvertently navigate to malicious websites. Organizations should have also considered implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurred, as the vulnerability could lead to full system compromise and lateral movement within networks.