CVE-2013-1310 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and 7 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1310 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed or deallocated, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the freed memory location to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability specifically affects the rendering engine of Internet Explorer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by visiting a compromised website. The flaw exists in the browser's object management system where memory cleanup operations do not properly prevent subsequent access to freed memory locations, creating a window of opportunity for exploitation.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates under the CWE-416 category of "Use After Free" which is classified as a memory safety issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack vector involves crafting a malicious webpage that forces Internet Explorer to create and subsequently free an object in memory while simultaneously triggering code execution that references this freed object. The exploitation process typically involves creating a specific memory layout that allows the attacker to control what data occupies the freed memory location, enabling them to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the victim's browser process. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Internet Explorer 6 and 7 in enterprise environments during the affected time period.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential privilege escalation and system compromise. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over the victim's system, allowing them to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects users who visit malicious websites or click on links in phishing emails, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited security awareness training. The attack requires no user interaction beyond visiting a compromised site, though the specific conditions for exploitation may vary based on memory layout and browser configuration. Organizations running these older browser versions face significant risk as they lack modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1310 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Microsoft security updates, as these vulnerabilities were addressed through official patches released by Microsoft. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using security software to detect and block malicious content. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing browser sandboxing techniques and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing comprehensive security policies that address legacy software support, as Internet Explorer 6 and 7 reached end-of-life well before this vulnerability was fully addressed. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar memory safety issues in their software environments, following ATT&CK framework recommendations for defensive measures against memory corruption vulnerabilities.