CVE-2012-4775 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, aka "CTreeNode Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The CVE-2012-4775 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. This vulnerability specifically affects the CTreeNode class within IE9's rendering engine, creating a scenario where memory previously freed by the application is accessed again, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation. The flaw exists in the way Internet Explorer handles certain DOM tree operations, particularly when processing complex HTML structures that trigger memory management issues during object lifecycle management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the browser's JavaScript engine and HTML rendering components. When a crafted web page contains specific sequences of DOM manipulations and object references, the CTreeNode class fails to properly manage memory allocation and deallocation processes. This creates a window where freed memory blocks can be reallocated and subsequently accessed by malicious code, allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations with attacker-controlled data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser core level, bypassing many traditional security boundaries and operating system protections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where IE9 was widely deployed, as it could enable attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate networks through drive-by download scenarios. The exploit typically requires a user to visit a malicious website, making social engineering a critical component of successful attacks.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including keeping Internet Explorer updated with the latest security patches, deploying application whitelisting solutions, and configuring browser security settings to restrict potentially dangerous operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific flaw. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free errors in software implementations, and maps to attack techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Exploitation' and 'Command and Control' domains. Given the widespread deployment of IE9 at the time of discovery, this vulnerability represented a significant risk to organizations that had not yet migrated to newer browser versions or implemented comprehensive security controls.