CVE-2013-3121 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 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-2013-3112, CVE-2013-3113, CVE-2013-3139, and CVE-2013-3142.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 10 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations when processing specially crafted web pages, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory regions. The flaw manifests as heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that occur during the parsing and rendering of web content, particularly when processing complex javascript objects or DOM manipulation operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-416 Use After Free, both of which are classified as high-risk memory safety issues in the CWE catalog. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the browser's rendering engine to execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may browse untrusted websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and persistent backdoor establishment. Attackers can craft malicious websites that trigger the memory corruption when users visit them, leading to arbitrary code execution that can escalate privileges and establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Internet Explorer versions, making it particularly impactful since many organizations still maintained legacy browser installations for compatibility reasons. The memory corruption occurs during normal browsing operations, making detection difficult and allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability without user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The vulnerability's presence in Internet Explorer 6 through 10 means that organizations with legacy systems were particularly at risk, as these older versions received no further security updates from Microsoft.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates to the affected Internet Explorer versions, as well as implementation of browser hardening measures. Organizations should consider implementing browser isolation techniques and restricting access to untrusted websites through network-level controls and web application firewalls. The vulnerability's exploitation potential necessitates immediate remediation, as it provides attackers with a direct path to system compromise without requiring additional attack vectors. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns and browser behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in defending against such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the risks associated with running legacy browser versions in modern enterprise environments. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems.