CVE-2013-0087 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 OnResize Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The CVE-2013-0087 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 browser's handling of the OnResize event handler, creating a scenario where memory management errors can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The flaw occurs when Internet Explorer processes web pages containing crafted JavaScript code that manipulates DOM elements during resize operations, leading to improper memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to freed memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Internet Explorer's rendering engine, specifically in how it handles event handlers and object lifecycle management. When a web page triggers an OnResize event on a DOM element that has been previously deleted from memory, the browser attempts to access memory that has already been freed, creating a use-after-free condition. This memory corruption allows attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the browser process and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable browser. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which catalogs use-after-free conditions as a common memory safety issue in software development.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations as it enables sophisticated remote code execution attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can craft web pages that exploit this flaw by creating specific JavaScript sequences that trigger the resize event on manipulated DOM elements, causing the browser to access freed memory and execute malicious payloads. The attack surface is particularly wide given that Internet Explorer 6 through 10 were widely deployed across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate networks. The vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as it enables attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the user's browser session.
The exploitation of CVE-2013-0087 requires attackers to understand the specific memory layout and browser internals to craft effective payloads that can leverage the use-after-free condition. Successful exploitation typically involves creating a carefully constructed web page that triggers the vulnerable code path, often through complex JavaScript manipulation that forces the browser into a state where freed memory is accessed during normal rendering operations. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including regular security updates, browser hardening measures, and network-based protections such as web application firewalls to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and regular security assessments in browser development, particularly in legacy browser versions that may not receive ongoing security updates.