CVE-2013-3873 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-2013-3872, CVE-2013-3882, and CVE-2013-3885.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2021
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 significant security flaw in the browser's handling of memory management during web page rendering processes. The issue specifically affects Internet Explorer 10 running on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 operating systems. Security researchers have classified this as a memory corruption vulnerability that differs from other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2013-3872, CVE-2013-3882, and CVE-2013-3885, indicating it operates through distinct exploitation mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling within the browser's rendering engine. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing and execution of web elements such as JavaScript, HTML, or CSS components that contain malicious payloads. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by hosting malicious web pages that, when loaded in Internet Explorer 10, cause the browser to allocate or access memory in an unsafe manner. The vulnerability typically stems from insufficient bounds checking or improper memory deallocation routines that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory regions or execute arbitrary code within the browser's memory space. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common in memory corruption exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and service disruption. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise where attackers gain full control over the affected machine, potentially leading to data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or lateral movement within network environments. The denial of service aspect can cause browser crashes or system instability, disrupting legitimate user activities and potentially enabling persistent availability attacks. Organizations running Internet Explorer 10 are particularly vulnerable as this browser version was widely deployed in enterprise environments, making the attack surface substantial. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution, and T1499, which covers endpoint denial of service, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of the threat.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory corruption issue through proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and using application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code. Network-based protections such as firewalls and web application firewalls can help filter malicious traffic and prevent access to known malicious domains. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and awareness of phishing attempts remains crucial in preventing exploitation. System administrators should consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or suspicious browser behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer and ensure timely patch deployment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against memory corruption exploits that can lead to complete system compromise.