CVE-2013-0027 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site that triggers access to a deleted object, aka "Internet Explorer CPasteCommand Use After Free Vulnerability."
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2021
The CVE-2013-0027 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 10 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. This vulnerability specifically affects the CPasteCommand component within the browser's implementation of the paste functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through routine user interactions with web pages. The flaw stems from improper memory management where an object is accessed after it has been freed from memory, creating a predictable exploitation vector for attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of "Use After Free" which is classified as a severe memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious website triggers the paste command functionality in Internet Explorer, causing the browser to access a memory location that has already been deallocated. When Internet Explorer processes the paste command, it attempts to reference an object that has already been freed from memory, leading to a situation where attackers can manipulate the freed memory to execute malicious code. The vulnerability specifically impacts the browser's handling of clipboard operations and is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This makes the attack surface extremely broad and the exploitation risk high for unpatched systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Internet Explorer, potentially leading to full system control, data theft, or persistence mechanisms. The widespread adoption of Internet Explorer 6 through 10 across enterprise environments and desktop systems created a massive attack surface that made this vulnerability particularly dangerous. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the initial compromise to gain elevated privileges and maintain access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0027 primarily focus on immediate patching and browser security hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that addressed this vulnerability through proper memory management fixes in the paste command implementation. Organizations should implement browser isolation techniques and consider using more secure browsers such as Microsoft Edge or Chrome as alternatives. Security controls should include disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious clipboard operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping browsers updated and implementing security awareness training to prevent users from visiting malicious websites that could exploit this memory safety issue. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security assessments should verify that systems are properly patched and protected against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.