CVE-2013-0024 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to a deleted object, aka "Internet Explorer pasteHTML Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2021
The CVE-2013-0024 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 and 9 that fundamentally compromises memory safety mechanisms within the browser's rendering engine. This vulnerability specifically affects the pasteHTML functionality, which is a core component of Internet Explorer's document object model handling. The flaw occurs when the browser processes crafted web content that triggers the deletion of an object from memory while simultaneously allowing subsequent access to that same memory location. This memory management error creates a condition where attackers can manipulate the freed memory space to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental principle of use-after-free conditions where memory that has been deallocated is still accessed by the application. In the context of Internet Explorer, when a malicious web page triggers the pasteHTML method with specially crafted input, the browser's internal object management system deallocates certain memory structures but fails to properly invalidate references to those locations. This creates a window where an attacker can overwrite the freed memory with malicious code and subsequently execute it when the application attempts to access the freed object. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the browser's core rendering and scripting environments, providing attackers with extensive control over the target system. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416 as Use After Free, which is classified as a memory safety issue that allows attackers to manipulate freed memory regions.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0024 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a reliable means to establish persistent access to compromised systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables remote code execution with the privileges of the current user, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish backdoors. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it only requires a user to visit a malicious website, making it highly effective for phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability was frequently targeted in the wild due to its reliability and the widespread use of Internet Explorer 8 and 9 in enterprise environments. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers often use such memory corruption vulnerabilities to establish initial access before deploying more sophisticated attack tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0024 require immediate remediation through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes or network filtering alone. Organizations should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected Internet Explorer installations receive the necessary security updates from Microsoft. Additional protective measures include implementing strict browser security policies, disabling unnecessary browser features, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of malicious code. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts, though they cannot prevent the vulnerability itself. Security teams should also implement user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and clicking on suspicious links. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing layered security approaches to protect against memory corruption exploits that target browser components. Organizations should also consider migrating away from unsupported browser versions to reduce their attack surface and improve overall security posture.