CVE-2010-2559 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, CVE-2010-0245, and CVE-2010-0246.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory safety issue in Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 that stems from improper handling of objects in memory during the browser's execution lifecycle. The flaw occurs when the browser encounters objects that either fail to initialize correctly or have been prematurely deleted from memory, creating conditions where attackers can manipulate memory contents to execute malicious code remotely. This particular vulnerability is classified as an uninitialized memory corruption issue, distinct from several other related vulnerabilities that were simultaneously being addressed in the same software release cycle, indicating a broader class of memory management problems within the browser's rendering engine.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental memory management mechanisms within Internet Explorer 8's JavaScript engine and HTML rendering components. When the browser processes web content containing maliciously crafted objects, it fails to properly validate the initialization state of memory objects before attempting to access them. This creates a scenario where attackers can leverage the uninitialized memory to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's object model and memory allocation routines, which are integral to how Internet Explorer handles dynamic web content and interactive elements. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, though it manifests more specifically as memory corruption due to improper object lifecycle management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious websites, compromised web pages, or spear-phishing campaigns that deliver exploit code through crafted web content. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires user interaction with malicious content, making social engineering a critical component of successful attacks. Once executed, the malicious code can establish persistence mechanisms, escalate privileges, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive data or establish command and control channels. The attack surface is broad given Internet Explorer's widespread use and the typical user behavior of visiting various websites that may contain malicious content.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including deploying Microsoft security patches, implementing browser hardening measures, and establishing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict security policies for web content, and maintaining comprehensive monitoring for suspicious network activity. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation for privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, while the initial compromise typically follows the T1059.007 technique for script-based exploitation. Network administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing solutions and browser isolation technologies to reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.