CVE-2011-0036 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, 7, and 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, relagted to a "dangling pointer," aka "Uninitialized Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-2556 and CVE-2011-0035.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory management flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6, 7, and 8 that stems from improper handling of objects in memory. The vulnerability occurs when the browser fails to properly initialize memory objects or maintains references to deleted objects, creating conditions where malicious code can exploit these memory inconsistencies. The flaw specifically relates to what cybersecurity professionals categorize as a dangling pointer vulnerability, where a pointer continues to reference memory that has been freed or reallocated, creating a potential entry point for arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-462, which describes "Use of a Deleted Pointer" and falls under the broader category of memory corruption vulnerabilities. When Internet Explorer encounters an uninitialized object or attempts to access a deleted object, the memory management system fails to properly validate these references, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by remote attackers. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate memory contents in ways that can bypass standard security mechanisms and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using older versions of Internet Explorer, as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in the vulnerable browser, will trigger the memory corruption scenario and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple exploitation as it can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and persistence mechanisms that allow attackers to maintain access to affected systems. This makes it particularly attractive to advanced persistent threat actors who seek to establish long-term presence within target networks.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is extensive given the widespread deployment of Internet Explorer 6, 7, and 8 in enterprise environments, particularly in legacy systems that have not been upgraded. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and control through remote access tools, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with a foothold for further compromise. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, browser upgrades to supported versions, and network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious content targeting these specific memory corruption patterns. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures and user education to reduce exposure to such attacks, particularly in environments where legacy browser support remains necessary.