CVE-2013-3188 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and 9 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-2013-3189.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 and 9 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures during web page rendering, specifically when processing certain JavaScript objects and DOM elements. Attackers can craft malicious websites that trigger heap corruption when IE attempts to process malformed or specially constructed web content, leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw exists in the browser's JavaScript engine and object model handling mechanisms, where insufficient bounds checking and memory management controls allow attackers to manipulate memory pointers and execute malicious code with the privileges of the logged-in user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with heap-based buffer overflow attacks and memory corruption techniques. When Internet Explorer processes crafted web content, it fails to properly validate memory allocations and object references, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory structures or inject malicious code into the browser's memory space. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, both of which are classified as high-severity issues in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The attack vector requires user interaction through web browsing, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised websites that can silently execute malicious code without user awareness.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3188 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant system compromise and potential data breaches. Successful exploitation can result in complete system control, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a wide range of enterprise environments since IE 8 and 9 were widely deployed in corporate networks, making the attack surface particularly large. Organizations running these browser versions face elevated risk of targeted attacks, especially in environments where users have administrative privileges or access to sensitive systems. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework includes techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, demonstrating its capability to enable broader attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the flaw cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content filtering solutions, and using enhanced security configurations such as IE Enhanced Security Configuration. Network-based protections can include web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that monitor for known exploit patterns, though these measures provide only partial protection given the sophisticated nature of memory corruption attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability, while maintaining comprehensive monitoring for suspicious browser activity that could indicate exploitation attempts.