CVE-2012-2548 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to a deleted object, aka "Layout Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2021
The CVE-2012-2548 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 that fundamentally compromises browser security through memory management errors. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs within the browser's layout engine where memory allocated for object handling is improperly managed, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate freed memory references.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits how Internet Explorer 9 handles memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes. When a malicious website constructs specific HTML elements or JavaScript code, it can trigger the browser to access memory that has already been freed and potentially reallocated. This memory access pattern allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim's browser session, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically affects the layout rendering subsystem where object references are maintained and manipulated during page processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple exploitation as it enables attackers to perform complete browser compromise without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal session cookies, access sensitive data, or redirect users to phishing sites. The remote execution capability means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability through email attachments, compromised websites, or even through social engineering campaigns that direct users to malicious content. This vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it affected a widely used browser version and could be exploited through standard web browsing activities.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including keeping Internet Explorer updated to the latest security patches, implementing browser sandboxing technologies, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of memory safety practices and proper memory management in browser engines, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to prevent users from visiting malicious websites and employ network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires immediate patch deployment from Microsoft along with comprehensive testing to ensure that the security updates do not negatively impact legitimate business operations.