CVE-2013-1311 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 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 • 06/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1311 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program behavior. The issue specifically affects Internet Explorer 8 running on Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 systems, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread deployment of these operating systems in enterprise environments. The vulnerability manifests when a crafted website triggers the browser to access a deleted object in memory, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious web content that forces Internet Explorer 8 to manipulate memory objects in a specific sequence. When the browser encounters the crafted content, it processes certain objects that are subsequently freed from memory but not properly invalidated. Attackers can then manipulate the freed memory location to overwrite critical data structures or function pointers, effectively redirecting program execution to malicious code. This type of exploitation leverages the browser's memory management mechanisms and requires precise timing and memory layout knowledge to succeed. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it operates within the context of a legitimate browser application, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring or endpoint protection mechanisms. The attack vector is purely remote, meaning users can be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, without any interaction required beyond normal browsing behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1311 extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration and data exfiltration. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish persistent access to compromised systems, deploy additional malware payloads, or use the compromised browser as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a remote code execution primitive places it in the category of techniques that allow adversaries to gain control over target systems. Organizations with unpatched Internet Explorer 8 installations face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where legacy systems must continue operating while newer security measures are being implemented. The vulnerability affects not only end-user systems but also server environments where Internet Explorer 8 may be used for administrative tasks or legacy application compatibility, potentially creating additional attack surfaces for sophisticated threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1311 require immediate action including the deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the underlying memory management flaw. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content. The use of modern browser versions and operating systems is strongly recommended as Internet Explorer 8 has reached end-of-life and no longer receives security updates. Network-level defenses should include monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns and implementing sandboxing techniques to isolate browser processes from critical system resources. Security teams should also consider deploying exploit prevention tools and behavioral monitoring systems that can detect anomalous memory access patterns indicative of use-after-free exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer 8 and ensure timely remediation of identified risks.