CVE-2013-1312 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 and 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2021
The CVE-2013-1312 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 and 10 that fundamentally compromises browser security through improper memory management practices. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where program code continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating exploitable entry points for malicious actors. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer processes crafted web content that triggers a scenario where an object reference persists in memory beyond its intended lifecycle, allowing attackers to manipulate freed memory locations through carefully constructed malicious web pages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the browser's memory management mechanisms to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Internet Explorer. When a victim visits a malicious website containing specially crafted JavaScript or ActiveX components, the browser's rendering engine allocates memory for objects but fails to properly invalidate references when objects are destroyed. Attackers can then overwrite freed memory locations with malicious code, effectively redirecting execution flow to their payload. This technique aligns with ATT&CK tactics involving code injection and privilege escalation, as the vulnerability allows remote code execution without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1312 extends beyond simple browser compromise, as it provides attackers with a reliable method for establishing persistent access to target systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise systems simply by delivering malicious web content, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios. Security researchers have documented numerous real-world exploitation attempts leveraging this vulnerability, where attackers used it as a initial access vector to deploy additional malware or establish command and control channels. The affected versions of Internet Explorer were widely deployed across enterprise environments, amplifying the potential impact of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the flaw was addressed in the May 2013 security bulletin. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls, implementing enhanced security zones, and deploying application whitelisting policies to prevent exploitation. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious web content, while endpoint detection and response solutions should monitor for suspicious memory manipulation patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining up-to-date browser versions to protect against similar memory corruption flaws that may exist in other browser components or operating system services.