CVE-2014-0273 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 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-2014-0270, CVE-2014-0274, and CVE-2014-0288.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically when processing malformed or crafted web content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious websites that trigger memory corruption during normal browsing operations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with advanced persistent threat campaigns where adversaries leverage browser-based attacks to establish initial footholds in target environments. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level, bypassing many traditional security controls that operate at the operating system or network layer.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves crafting specific web content that causes Internet Explorer's memory management subsystem to access invalid memory locations or corrupt memory structures. When users visit compromised websites, the browser's JavaScript engine or rendering components encounter the malicious input and fail to properly validate or sanitize the data, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and persistent access. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing and rendering of web content, particularly when handling complex objects or arrays that exceed expected boundaries, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers and potentially redirect execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where Internet Explorer remains in use. Organizations running legacy systems or those unable to immediately migrate from older IE versions face heightened risk of targeted attacks, especially in environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites. The vulnerability's ability to cause denial of service combined with remote code execution creates a dual threat that can disrupt business operations while simultaneously enabling full system compromise. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their incident response frameworks, as it may indicate broader exploitation patterns or the presence of related attack toolkits. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the purview of security controls focused on memory safety and exploit mitigation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate patching and defensive measures to reduce attack surface. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory corruption issue through improved input validation and memory management within Internet Explorer's rendering components. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of security patches and consider implementing browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and utilizing sandboxing technologies. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and proxy servers can help filter malicious content before it reaches vulnerable browsers, though these measures are not foolproof given the sophisticated nature of modern exploit techniques. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining updated browser software to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.