CVE-2014-0267 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 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-2014-0289 and CVE-2014-0290.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0267 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through malicious web content. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory operations during web page rendering and script execution processes. The flaw arises from improper memory management when processing certain web elements, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. Unlike related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2014-0289 and CVE-2014-0290, this particular weakness demonstrates distinct characteristics in how it exploits memory corruption mechanisms within the browser's architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves attackers crafting specific web pages that trigger memory corruption during normal browser operations. When Internet Explorer 11 processes these maliciously constructed web elements, the browser's memory management system fails to properly validate or handle certain data structures, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The flaw typically manifests when the browser encounters specific combinations of HTML elements, JavaScript code, or ActiveX controls that cause memory allocation or deallocation operations to behave unexpectedly. This memory corruption can result in stack or heap corruption that allows attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the running browser process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems without requiring local privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The memory corruption aspect makes exploitation particularly dangerous as it can lead to complete system compromise when successful, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where Internet Explorer 11 is actively used, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors seeking to exploit unpatched systems. Organizations with legacy systems or restricted patching schedules face heightened exposure to this vulnerability.
Security mitigations for CVE-2014-0267 primarily focus on applying Microsoft's security updates and patches that address the specific memory corruption issues in Internet Explorer 11. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls, implementing enhanced security zones, and using Internet Explorer's built-in protection mechanisms can provide additional defense layers. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions may help detect and block exploitation attempts, though these measures are not foolproof against sophisticated attacks. Regular security assessments and monitoring for indicators of compromise remain essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against this vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) categories, and represents a technique commonly associated with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under process injection and privilege escalation tactics.