CVE-2010-0807 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 does not properly handle objects in memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by accessing a deleted object, leading to memory corruption, aka "HTML Rendering Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that arises from improper handling of objects in memory during HTML rendering operations. This flaw specifically manifests when the browser attempts to access a deleted object reference, creating a condition where malicious code can exploit the memory management inconsistency to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption issues that have long been identified as high-risk threats in software security. According to CWE-125, this vulnerability represents an out-of-bounds read condition where the application accesses memory beyond its allocated boundaries, while also aligning with CWE-787 which describes out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to similar exploitation vectors. The technical implementation involves the browser's rendering engine failing to properly track object lifecycles, particularly when dealing with dynamic HTML content and JavaScript interactions. When a webpage contains maliciously crafted HTML elements that trigger specific memory cleanup sequences, the browser's memory management system can be manipulated to execute attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the user running the browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve complete system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The memory corruption occurs during normal browsing operations, making it particularly dangerous because users cannot easily predict or prevent the exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various delivery mechanisms including malicious websites, compromised web applications, or phishing campaigns that direct users to exploit the memory corruption condition. The exploit typically requires the victim to visit a specially crafted webpage that contains HTML elements designed to trigger the specific memory access pattern that leads to code execution. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core rendering engine level, meaning that successful exploitation can bypass many traditional security controls and user permission boundaries. The attack surface is broad as it affects any user running Internet Explorer 7 when visiting malicious content, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through Microsoft security updates and patches that address the underlying memory management flaw in the browser's rendering engine. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all Internet Explorer 7 installations are updated with the latest security fixes, as this vulnerability was specifically addressed in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-018. System administrators should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to filter potentially malicious content. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browsers updated. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts by monitoring for known malicious patterns associated with this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique for Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage browser vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and sandboxing measures to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can lead to full system compromise when successfully exploited.