CVE-2011-1262 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 through 9 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, aka "HTTP Redirect Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1262 represents a critical memory corruption issue affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 7 through 9. This flaw stems from improper handling of objects in memory during web browsing operations, specifically when processing HTTP redirects. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory Location, which encompasses issues where software accesses memory inappropriately, potentially leading to code execution. The root cause lies in the browser's failure to properly validate object states during memory management operations, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption through crafted web content.
The technical mechanism of exploitation involves attackers crafting malicious web pages that trigger specific conditions during HTTP redirect processing. When Internet Explorer encounters an object that either was not properly initialized or has been deleted, the browser's memory management system fails to handle these invalid object references correctly. This improper handling creates memory corruption that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's object lifecycle management during redirect operations, where memory addresses may be reused or accessed after deallocation, creating a window of opportunity for exploitation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to enterprise and individual users alike, as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack surface is extensive given that Internet Explorer 7 through 9 were widely deployed across corporate environments and personal computing systems. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations using these affected browser versions face significant risk of compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to full system control, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1262 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-037. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized code. Network-based protections such as firewalls and web application firewalls can help filter malicious content, while user education about avoiding untrusted websites remains crucial. Additionally, implementing security awareness training to recognize potentially malicious redirects and ensuring regular security updates are applied across all systems can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in browser security and highlights the critical need for regular security updates to address such fundamental flaws in widely used software applications.