CVE-2012-1522 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 does not properly handle objects in memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by accessing a deleted object, aka "Cached Object Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1522 represents a critical memory management flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 that enables remote code execution through improper object handling in memory. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's JavaScript engine and occurs when the browser fails to properly manage object references during memory cleanup operations. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer attempts to access objects that have already been deleted from memory, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate memory contents to execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user.
This vulnerability operates through a classic use-after-free attack pattern where the browser's memory management system does not adequately track object references, allowing an attacker to place malicious data in the memory location of a recently deleted object. The technical implementation involves the JavaScript engine's garbage collection process failing to properly invalidate object pointers, creating a window where attackers can exploit the dangling pointer to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free condition, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that have historically led to numerous remote code execution exploits in web browsers and operating systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can craft web pages containing specially crafted JavaScript code that triggers the memory corruption condition, leading to complete system compromise. The exploit typically involves creating a scenario where the browser's memory allocator reuses freed memory blocks, and the attacker controls the contents of that memory to redirect program execution to malicious code. This vulnerability affects not only the browser itself but also potentially compromises the entire system due to the elevated privileges associated with browser processes, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have administrative rights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1522 include immediate installation of Microsoft security updates that address the memory management flaw in Internet Explorer 9. Organizations should implement browser hardening techniques such as enabling enhanced security configurations, disabling unnecessary browser features, and implementing content filtering solutions. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Additional defensive measures include network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify exploit patterns, user education regarding suspicious web content, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures that specifically target this vulnerability class. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms and browser isolation technologies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.