CVE-2013-3846 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 and 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted CSpliceTreeEngine::InsertSplice object in an HTML document, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3143 and CVE-2013-3161.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 and 10 that enables remote code execution through memory corruption. The vulnerability specifically occurs within the CSpliceTreeEngine::InsertSplice object processing within HTML documents, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The flaw stems from improper memory management where freed memory blocks are accessed after being deallocated, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability type falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the splice tree engine's memory management during HTML document processing. When Internet Explorer encounters a specially crafted HTML document containing malicious CSpliceTreeEngine::InsertSplice objects, the browser's memory management system fails to properly track object references, leading to memory corruption. Attackers can exploit this by creating a scenario where freed memory locations are reused before proper cleanup occurs, allowing them to inject malicious code into the memory space. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core memory management level of the browser, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and data theft. Successful exploitation can result in complete system control, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects both Internet Explorer 9 and 10, which were widely deployed in enterprise environments during 2013, amplifying the potential attack surface. Organizations running these browser versions faced significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited through drive-by downloads or malicious websites without requiring user interaction. The memory corruption aspect also means that systems could experience denial of service conditions, rendering browsers and potentially entire systems unstable.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application through Microsoft's security updates, as the flaw was addressed through memory management improvements in subsequent security releases. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious HTML content targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and avoiding suspicious websites remains crucial, though the vulnerability's nature makes it particularly dangerous even with user awareness. The remediation process should also include monitoring for exploitation attempts and implementing proper incident response procedures to handle potential compromise scenarios.