CVE-2013-1309 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-2013-1308 and CVE-2013-2551.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 10 that enables remote code execution through web-based attacks. The flaw occurs when the browser processes malicious web content that causes a memory object to be freed while still being referenced by active code paths. This memory management error creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the freed memory location to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use-after-free condition, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that has been the root cause of numerous security breaches in web browsers and operating systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious web page that triggers specific browser rendering paths leading to the deletion of a memory object while maintaining references to it. When the browser attempts to access the freed object, it may point to memory that has been reallocated for other purposes, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on targeted systems. The attack vector requires the victim to visit a malicious website, making it a typical web-based exploit that leverages the trust users place in their browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1309 is severe as it affects a wide range of Internet Explorer versions spanning over a decade of releases, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with legacy systems or those slow to patch. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass many security controls since it operates within the browser's trusted execution environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The fact that this vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2013-1308 and CVE-2013-2551 indicates it represents a separate code path within the browser's memory management system, suggesting the presence of multiple memory safety issues in the Internet Explorer codebase. Organizations running affected versions of Internet Explorer face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users cannot be reliably restricted from visiting untrusted websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches, which address the underlying memory management issues in the affected browser versions. Organizations should also implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing technologies to limit the impact of successful exploits. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block known exploit patterns, while user education about avoiding suspicious websites remains crucial. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping browser software updated and demonstrates why organizations should implement comprehensive patch management programs to address memory safety issues in widely used software applications.