CVE-2013-3897 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the CDisplayPointer class in mshtml.dll in Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via crafted JavaScript code that uses the onpropertychange event handler, as exploited in the wild in September and October 2013, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The CVE-2013-3897 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer's mshtml.dll component that affects versions 6 through 11. This vulnerability resides in the CDisplayPointer class and exploits a memory management error that occurs when handling JavaScript events. The flaw specifically leverages the onpropertychange event handler to trigger the vulnerable code path, making it particularly dangerous as it can be easily exploited through standard web browsing activities. The vulnerability gained significant attention in the wild during September and October 2013 when it was actively exploited by threat actors, demonstrating its real-world impact and the sophistication of the attack vectors employed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Internet Explorer's HTML rendering engine where a freed memory pointer is accessed after the associated object has been destroyed. When the onpropertychange event handler processes certain JavaScript constructs, it can cause the CDisplayPointer class to reference memory that has already been deallocated, creating a use-after-free condition. This memory corruption allows attackers to manipulate the execution flow of the browser process, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level memory management boundaries, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to gain elevated privileges or completely compromise the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3897 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in vulnerable Internet Explorer versions, automatically trigger the exploit without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the compromised website. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attacks where adversaries can deliver malware payloads, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct advanced persistent threat operations. The exploit's ability to cause memory corruption also means that successful exploitation can lead to system instability, data loss, or complete system compromise depending on the execution context and privilege levels of the affected process.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches, implementing browser hardening measures, and deploying network-based protections such as web application firewalls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions, and maps to attack patterns in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for script-based execution. Security teams should also consider implementing browser isolation solutions, enabling enhanced security features like Internet Explorer's protected mode, and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of patched status for this specific vulnerability across all supported Internet Explorer versions within the organization's attack surface.