CVE-2013-3115 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 through 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3162.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2025
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 7 through 10 contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote code execution and denial of service attacks through crafted web content. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer processes certain web elements and objects in memory. The flaw manifests when the browser encounters malformed or maliciously constructed web pages that trigger buffer overflows or heap corruption during normal browsing operations. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by hosting malicious web content that, when loaded in a targeted browser, would cause the application to corrupt memory structures and subsequently execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the memory level, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring and enabling attackers to bypass many security controls that rely on higher-level protocol analysis.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. These classifications indicate that the flaw involves improper bounds checking during memory operations, allowing attackers to write data beyond allocated memory regions or read data from unauthorized memory locations. The vulnerability operates under the attack pattern described in MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The memory corruption occurs when Internet Explorer's JavaScript engine or HTML parser fails to properly validate input data structures, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can manipulate to achieve code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly challenging to defend against because it requires patching the browser itself rather than network-level defenses, and the exploitation often occurs through social engineering tactics that trick users into visiting malicious websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include significant system compromise and potential data breaches. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain full control of affected systems, enabling them to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors. The memory corruption can also result in denial of service conditions where the browser crashes or becomes unstable, disrupting legitimate user activities and potentially providing cover for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations running affected Internet Explorer versions face substantial risk exposure, particularly in environments where users regularly browse the internet or access untrusted web content. The vulnerability affects a wide range of operating systems including Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2, making it a critical concern for enterprise environments. The exploitation typically requires no special privileges beyond normal user access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have elevated permissions or where the browser is used for business-critical tasks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on immediate patching and browser hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that addressed the memory corruption issues in Internet Explorer 7 through 10, requiring organizations to deploy these patches promptly to protect against exploitation. Network administrators should implement browser isolation techniques, such as running Internet Explorer in restricted environments or using application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content filtering, and using enhanced security measures like Internet Explorer's protected view mode. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious web content targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and attachments, as social engineering remains a common delivery method for exploits targeting this type of memory corruption vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running unpatched versions of Internet Explorer and ensure proper remediation measures are implemented.