CVE-2013-0811 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 Use After Free Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-1307.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0811 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 and 9 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating a dangerous scenario where attackers can manipulate program execution flow. The flaw occurs when Internet Explorer processes crafted web pages that trigger improper memory management, leading to situations where freed memory locations are still accessible and can be overwritten with malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves constructing a malicious web page that forces Internet Explorer to perform operations on memory that has already been released from the heap. When the browser attempts to access or modify freed memory locations, attackers can leverage this behavior to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the user's session. This particular vulnerability differs from CVE-2013-1307 in its specific memory access patterns and exploitation vectors, though both represent serious flaws in the browser's memory management subsystem. The attack typically requires a user to visit a compromised website, making social engineering a critical component of successful exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Internet Explorer 8 and 9 remain in use, as these older browser versions are often found in legacy systems and restricted user environments. The remote execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual user sessions to potentially enable full system compromise, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running these older browser versions face heightened risk of advanced persistent threats and targeted attacks that exploit this specific memory corruption vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0811 should prioritize immediate browser updates to patched versions of Internet Explorer, though this may not be feasible in legacy environments where upgrading is restricted. Security controls should include implementing browser isolation techniques, deploying web application firewalls, and establishing strict content filtering policies to prevent access to untrusted websites. Network segmentation and user education programs become critical defensive measures when immediate patching is not possible. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework where use-after-free conditions represent common targets for exploit development due to their predictable memory access patterns and the potential for reliable code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing exploit prevention technologies and monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.