CVE-2010-0246 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 does not properly handle objects in memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by accessing an object that (1) was not properly initialized or (2) is deleted, leading to memory corruption, aka "Uninitialized Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2009-3671, CVE-2009-3674, and CVE-2010-0245.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 that stems from improper handling of objects in memory allocation and deallocation processes. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's memory management system where objects that are either not properly initialized or have been deleted are subsequently accessed, creating conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This represents a classic uninitialized memory access vulnerability that falls under the CWE-457 category of "Use of Uninitialized Variable" and more specifically aligns with CWE-125 which addresses "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions. The flaw exists in the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering components where memory objects are manipulated without proper validation of their initialization state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this memory corruption issue to inject malicious code into the browser process, potentially escalating privileges and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction, making it highly suitable for drive-by download scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when successful exploitation occurs. The memory corruption aspect also aligns with T1070.004 for "Indicator Removal on Host: File Deletion" as attackers may need to manipulate memory structures to maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the flaw affects the core browser functionality and cannot be adequately protected through network-level defenses alone. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also necessitates regular security assessments and network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the flaw, which involves memory management errors, security teams should focus on monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns and implement robust intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious memory access patterns. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated remains critical in defending against this class of vulnerabilities that can be exploited through web-based attack vectors.