CVE-2012-0012 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 does not properly handle the creation and initialization of string objects, which allows remote attackers to read data from arbitrary process-memory locations via a crafted web site, aka "Null Byte Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0012 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 that stems from improper handling of string object creation and initialization processes. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's JavaScript engine and occurs when processing crafted web content that manipulates string objects in memory. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit memory management inconsistencies within the browser's rendering engine, potentially allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary process-memory locations. Security researchers classified this issue as a null byte information disclosure vulnerability due to the manner in which memory contents are exposed through malformed string operations. The vulnerability resides in the browser's handling of JavaScript string objects, particularly during their initialization and memory allocation phases, creating an avenue for attackers to extract sensitive data from memory regions that should remain protected.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2012-0012 occurs when Internet Explorer 9 encounters malicious JavaScript code that creates and manipulates string objects in ways that bypass normal memory protection mechanisms. During the string object creation process, the browser fails to properly validate or initialize memory pointers, allowing attackers to craft specific JavaScript sequences that can read data from adjacent memory locations. This memory access pattern typically involves null byte manipulation and memory pointer arithmetic that leverages the browser's insufficient input validation during string object initialization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, requiring no special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information such as encryption keys, passwords, session tokens, or other confidential data that may be stored in nearby memory regions, effectively creating a remote information disclosure attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the browser's memory management and object initialization processes. Organizations running Internet Explorer 9 are exposed to potential data breaches where attackers can systematically extract sensitive information from memory, potentially compromising entire systems if the exploited memory contains authentication credentials or cryptographic keys. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target users without requiring physical access or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users may be browsing the internet simultaneously. This flaw directly impacts the security posture of organizations that have not yet migrated away from Internet Explorer 9, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without user interaction. The information disclosure aspect of this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack matrix, particularly those involving information gathering and credential theft through browser-based exploits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0012 focus primarily on immediate patch deployment and browser migration, as Microsoft released security updates to address the memory handling inconsistencies in Internet Explorer 9. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to newer browser versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as Internet Explorer 9 reached end-of-life and no longer receives security updates. Security teams should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains that may exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features and implementing strict content security policies can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and its alignment with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks, emphasizes the need for comprehensive security measures including regular vulnerability assessments, security awareness training, and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and regular security audits to detect and prevent exploitation of similar memory management vulnerabilities.