CVE-2012-1526 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and 7 does not properly handle objects in memory, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by accessing an object that (1) was not initialized or (2) is deleted, aka "Layout Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1526 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7 that fundamentally compromises the browser's memory management mechanisms. This issue stems from improper handling of objects in memory, creating a scenario where attackers can exploit the browser's failure to properly validate object states during memory operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the browser attempts to access objects that either remain uninitialized or have been previously deleted from memory, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations outside the intended boundaries of allocated objects. This memory corruption occurs at the layout level within Internet Explorer's rendering engine, where the browser's object model fails to properly track object lifecycles and memory allocation states. The flaw exists in the browser's memory management subsystem, particularly affecting how it handles object references during the document rendering process and JavaScript execution contexts. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger the browser to access improperly managed memory objects, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a remote code execution vector that can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This vulnerability affects a significant portion of users who were still utilizing older versions of Internet Explorer, particularly in enterprise environments where legacy systems had not been updated. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Organizations running these outdated browser versions face substantial risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially gain full system control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1526 primarily focus on immediate browser updates and security hardening measures. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that corrected the memory handling mechanisms within Internet Explorer, though users of older versions must recognize that these specific versions are no longer supported and lack security patches. Organizations should implement browser isolation techniques, including the use of modern browser security features like sandboxing, memory protection, and automatic updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping software current and implementing layered security approaches that include web application firewalls, content filtering, and user education. From an att&ck perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically results in command execution and potential account compromise. Given that these browser versions are no longer supported, the most effective mitigation is complete browser replacement with current versions that include proper memory management and security features, along with implementing network-based protections to prevent access to malicious content.