CVE-2013-3910 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3910 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 9, classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition. This vulnerability arises from improper memory management during web page rendering processes, specifically when handling certain JavaScript objects and DOM elements. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer, creating a wide attack surface that spans from legacy systems to enterprise environments still using older browser versions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Internet Explorer encounters maliciously crafted web content that triggers memory corruption during normal browsing operations. Attackers can construct web pages containing specially formatted JavaScript code or HTML elements that, when rendered by the affected browsers, cause memory corruption in the browser's memory space. This corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable browser. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser's memory management subsystem, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through standard security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3910 extends beyond simple exploitation to encompass significant security risks for organizations relying on older Internet Explorer versions. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web services, making it highly versatile for attackers. Organizations running affected versions of Internet Explorer face potential data breaches, system compromise, and denial of service conditions that can disrupt business operations. The memory corruption nature of the vulnerability means that even successful exploitation may not always result in immediate code execution, but rather creates a stable environment for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Microsoft security updates, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for layered security approaches that include network monitoring, endpoint protection, and user education. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Internet Explorer versions and establish remediation timelines to ensure complete coverage of the attack surface.
This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges of maintaining security in legacy browser environments and underscores the importance of regular software updates and security maintenance. The persistence of such vulnerabilities in older browser versions highlights the need for comprehensive retirement planning for legacy systems and the implementation of security controls that can protect against known vulnerabilities even when patching is not immediately possible. Organizations should also consider implementing browser virtualization or containerization technologies to isolate vulnerable browser sessions and limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.