CVE-2013-1304 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 Use After Free Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-1303 and CVE-2013-1338.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
This 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. The vulnerability occurs when the browser processes crafted web pages that cause objects to be freed from memory while still being referenced, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the freed memory location to execute arbitrary code. This particular weakness falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is classified as a memory safety error where program code continues to reference memory after it has been freed, potentially allowing for exploitation through memory corruption techniques.
The technical exploitation involves crafting web content that triggers specific browser rendering paths leading to object deletion followed by subsequent access to that freed memory location. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by hosting malicious web pages that, when loaded in Internet Explorer, cause the browser to free an object from memory and then attempt to access that same object, creating a condition where the freed memory can be manipulated to redirect execution flow. This vulnerability is distinct from related issues CVE-2013-1303 and CVE-2013-1338, indicating separate code paths and exploitation mechanisms within the Internet Explorer rendering engine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-on user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Internet Explorer versions from 6 through 10, making it particularly dangerous as it could impact legacy systems that have not been updated. This use-after-free condition creates a memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring any local user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The vulnerability demonstrates how memory safety issues in complex software can create persistent security risks that require comprehensive patching strategies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific memory management flaw in the affected Internet Explorer versions. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing technologies to limit potential exploitation impact. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and systems, as well as monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts in network logs and system alerts.