CVE-2013-3123 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 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-2013-3111.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2021
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 through 10 contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability specifically affected the browser's handling of memory management during web page rendering processes, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially gain unauthorized system access. The flaw existed in the browser's JavaScript engine and object model handling, where improper memory allocation and deallocation processes allowed attackers to craft specific web pages that would trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the browser's memory space. The vulnerability was distinct from CVE-2013-3111, indicating separate code paths and exploitation mechanisms that required different defensive approaches. This issue falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, both of which are common in memory management flaws within web browsers. The attack vector typically involved hosting malicious web content on compromised servers or through phishing campaigns where users would inadvertently navigate to compromised websites. The operational impact was significant as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, or further network propagation. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligned with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation for execution through browser-based attacks, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage for code execution. The memory corruption occurred when Internet Explorer processed certain JavaScript objects or DOM elements, particularly during dynamic content rendering or object manipulation operations. Attackers could leverage this by crafting web pages containing malicious JavaScript code that would trigger memory corruption when the browser attempted to render or execute specific object references. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it could be exploited through standard web browsing activities, requiring no special user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that patched the memory management routines and introduced additional validation checks within the browser's rendering engine. Organizations needed to implement immediate patch management protocols to mitigate the risk, as the vulnerability had a high exploitability score and could be weaponized by threat actors. The remediation process required careful testing to ensure that patches did not break existing legitimate web applications while providing adequate protection against the memory corruption attack vectors. This vulnerability highlighted the ongoing challenges in securing complex web browser environments where thousands of lines of code interact dynamically, creating numerous potential attack surfaces that require continuous monitoring and security hardening efforts.