CVE-2013-3142 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-2013-3121, and CVE-2013-3139.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 10, classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory structures during web page rendering processes, specifically when processing malformed or crafted web content that triggers buffer overflows or heap corruption scenarios. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that, when loaded in vulnerable IE versions, cause the browser to allocate memory incorrectly, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with advanced persistent threat campaigns and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for execution. When a user visits a malicious website, the Internet Explorer browser engine processes the crafted content and encounters memory structures that exceed allocated boundaries or corrupt existing memory segments. This memory corruption can be manipulated to overwrite critical program execution pointers, function return addresses, or other memory locations that control program flow, ultimately enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the browser's memory space. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential denial of service conditions where system stability is compromised.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3142 is severe across enterprise environments where legacy Internet Explorer versions remain in use, particularly in organizations that have not completed migration to modern browser platforms. This vulnerability affects a broad range of systems as IE6 through IE10 were widely deployed across corporate networks and government systems, creating extensive attack surface exposure. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks. Organizations with outdated browser configurations face significant risk of compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or conduct data exfiltration operations. The memory corruption nature also means that exploitation can cause system instability, leading to unexpected browser crashes or system-wide denial of service conditions that can disrupt business operations.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, as the vendor released specific fixes for this vulnerability through regular security updates. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts, while user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining updated browser software. Security teams should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and virtualization approaches to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software configurations and demonstrates how legacy browser support can create persistent security risks that require ongoing attention and remediation efforts.