CVE-2013-5056 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the Scripting Runtime Object Library in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site that is visited with Internet Explorer, aka "Use-After-Free Vulnerability in Microsoft Scripting Runtime Object Library."
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The CVE-2013-5056 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within Microsoft's Scripting Runtime Object Library that affects multiple versions of the windows operating system. This vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between internet explorer and the scripting engine, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory management issues in the system. The flaw exists in the way the scripting runtime object library handles memory allocation and deallocation when processing web content, particularly in scenarios involving javascript execution within internet explorer's rendering engine. The vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free condition according to CWE-416, which occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious website that triggers the specific conditions leading to the use-after-free scenario. When a user visits such a crafted web page using internet explorer, the browser's scripting engine processes the malicious content and inadvertently accesses memory that has already been deallocated. This memory corruption can manifest in two primary ways: either through arbitrary code execution allowing attackers to run malicious software with the privileges of the victim user, or through denial of service conditions that crash the browser application and potentially the entire system. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple windows versions including legacy systems like windows xp and server 2003, as well as newer releases such as windows 8 and 8.1, making it particularly dangerous due to its broad attack surface.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where internet explorer remains in use, particularly in organizations that have not fully migrated to modern browsers or have legacy applications requiring older browser versions. The attack vector of a malicious website means that users can be compromised simply by visiting an infected webpage, making this a highly effective method for delivering malware or conducting remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the attack tree framework, specifically targeting the execution phase of attacks where adversaries seek to leverage system weaknesses to gain unauthorized access or control. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability directly relates to the memory safety principles outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks, where improper memory management leads to exploitable conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5056 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through the microsoft security bulletin ms13-080 released in october 2013. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling javascript when not required, using enhanced security configurations, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of malicious code. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious web content before it reaches users. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the avoidance of untrusted websites remains critical, as the vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited. The remediation approach should also include monitoring for exploitation attempts through security information and event management systems, as indicators of compromise may include unusual memory usage patterns or unexpected browser crashes that could signal the exploitation of this use-after-free vulnerability.