CVE-2013-3125 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 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-2013-3118 and CVE-2013-3120.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2021
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability represents a distinct issue from related CVE-2013-3118 and CVE-2013-3120, demonstrating the complexity of memory management flaws in modern web browsers. The flaw occurs when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web pages that trigger improper memory handling during rendering operations, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Internet Explorer 10's rendering engine, specifically when handling certain web page elements or JavaScript constructs. Attackers can craft web pages that manipulate memory pointers or buffer boundaries in ways that cause the browser to execute unintended code sequences or corrupt memory structures. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability typically manifests when the browser attempts to process malformed or malicious input that exceeds expected memory allocation boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise and individual users alike, as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack surface is particularly broad since Internet Explorer 10 was widely deployed across enterprise environments, making organizations vulnerable to targeted attacks that leverage this memory corruption flaw. Successful exploitation can 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 lateral movement within network environments.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate exploitation capabilities to encompass broader security implications for web browser security models. Organizations must implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate patch deployment, browser hardening measures, and network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique, which covers exploitation of remote services through memory corruption vulnerabilities. Mitigation approaches include applying Microsoft security patches, implementing browser isolation techniques, and deploying web application firewalls to filter potentially malicious content before it reaches vulnerable browsers. Organizations should also consider alternative browser deployment strategies and enhanced user education to reduce exposure risk while maintaining operational functionality.