CVE-2013-1338 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-2013-1303 and CVE-2013-1304.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2021
The CVE-2013-1338 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. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption issues that have historically plagued web browsers and operating systems. The flaw specifically manifests when Internet Explorer processes crafted web pages that result in accessing memory locations that have already been freed, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow and inject malicious code.
This vulnerability operates through a classic use-after-free exploitation pattern where the browser's memory management system deallocates an object but continues to reference it in subsequent operations. The technical implementation involves the browser's JavaScript engine or rendering components maintaining references to objects that have been garbage collected or explicitly deleted, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to overwrite the freed memory with malicious content. When the application attempts to access this freed memory location, it executes the attacker-controlled code rather than the intended program logic. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable browser, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1338 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to bypass security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. This vulnerability is classified as a CWE-416 Use After Free weakness, which directly maps to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework for identifying memory safety issues in software systems. The attack vector requires a user to visit a malicious website, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios where social engineering plays a significant role in successful exploitation. Security researchers have documented that this vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and access sensitive user data through the compromised browser session.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1338 primarily focus on immediate patching and browser updates as recommended by Microsoft security advisories. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including web application firewalls, browser hardening configurations, and user education about avoiding suspicious websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques that emphasize privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Additionally, network-based defenses such as intrusion detection systems and sandboxing technologies can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other browser components or web applications that may present similar memory management flaws.