CVE-2013-3886 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 and 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2021
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 and 10 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer processes certain web elements and JavaScript constructs. Attackers can craft malicious websites that trigger memory corruption when the browser attempts to render or execute specific content, leading to arbitrary code execution on the victim's system or complete browser crash resulting in denial of service.
The technical root cause of CVE-2013-3886 aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. These memory corruption issues typically occur when the browser fails to properly validate input data or buffer boundaries during web page rendering processes. The vulnerability exploits the way Internet Explorer handles certain JavaScript objects and memory allocation patterns, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations or execute malicious code within the browser's memory space. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit malicious websites or be targeted through phishing campaigns. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can compromise systems from anywhere in the world without physical access to the target machine. The impact extends beyond individual user compromise to potential network-wide infiltration, especially when combined with other exploitation techniques or when users have elevated privileges. Organizations using Internet Explorer 9 and 10 are particularly vulnerable as these versions lack modern security mitigations and are often found in legacy systems that are slow to update. The vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches as soon as they become available, deploying browser isolation solutions, and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures, including disabling unnecessary browser features and implementing strict content security policies. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework where such vulnerabilities are categorized under initial access and execution tactics. Regular security assessments and user awareness training are essential to reduce the risk of exploitation, particularly in environments where legacy browser support is required for business operations.