CVE-2013-0026 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 "Internet Explorer InsertElement Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2021
The CVE-2013-0026 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 InsertElement functionality within the browser's rendering engine, creating a scenario where memory management errors can be exploited by attackers. The flaw stems from improper handling of object references in the browser's JavaScript engine, where freed memory locations are accessed after objects have been destroyed, creating a predictable exploitation vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition within Internet Explorer's memory management system when processing certain DOM manipulation operations. When a web page triggers the InsertElement function with malformed parameters, the browser allocates memory for an object but fails to properly invalidate references before the object is freed. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that deliberately cause this sequence, leading to a situation where subsequent memory access operations target already deallocated memory regions. This creates a classic use-after-free condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0026 is severe and far-reaching within enterprise environments where Internet Explorer 9 remains in use. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, and it maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter). The vulnerability affects organizations that have not updated to patched versions of Internet Explorer, leaving them exposed to automated exploitation by threat actors who have developed exploit kits specifically targeting this flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0026 require immediate action including deployment of Microsoft's security patches, which address the underlying memory management issues in the browser's JavaScript engine. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network-based protections like web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts, though they cannot prevent the vulnerability itself. Security teams should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to identify malicious websites attempting to leverage this vulnerability. The most effective long-term solution involves migrating away from Internet Explorer 9 to supported browser versions or implementing alternative browsing solutions that are not affected by this particular flaw.