CVE-2013-1308 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-2013-1309 and CVE-2013-2551.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2021
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 Internet Explorer improperly handles memory management during object deletion, creating a scenario where freed memory locations can still be accessed by subsequent operations. This specific weakness falls under CWE-416, which categorizes use-after-free conditions as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate the browser's memory state to execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised user. When a user visits a malicious website, the crafted content triggers the browser to access an object that has already been freed from memory, creating a predictable memory access pattern that attackers can exploit to inject and execute their payload. This vulnerability is distinct from related issues such as CVE-2013-1309 and CVE-2013-2551, which represent different exploitation vectors within the same product family. The operational impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor access. Attackers typically leverage this vulnerability through drive-by download scenarios where visiting a compromised website automatically triggers the exploit without user interaction. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Internet Explorer versions, making it particularly dangerous as organizations with legacy systems remain exposed. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands and gain elevated privileges. The exploitation process involves careful crafting of web content that triggers the specific memory access pattern, often requiring the attacker to understand the browser's memory layout and object management mechanisms. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices in web browsers and demonstrates how seemingly minor memory handling issues can result in severe security implications. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Internet Explorer versions, implement browser hardening measures, and deploy network-based protections to detect and block exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and the importance of keeping legacy systems updated or properly isolated from critical network segments. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that corrected the memory management handling in Internet Explorer's object lifecycle management, preventing the access to freed memory locations that previously enabled exploitation.