CVE-2014-0288 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-2014-0273, and CVE-2014-0274.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2025
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 contain a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote code execution when users visit malicious websites. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes, creating exploitable conditions that adversaries can leverage to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web content that triggers heap corruption or stack overflow conditions within the browser's memory management subsystem. Security researchers identified this issue as part of a broader class of vulnerabilities affecting web browsers' handling of dynamic memory operations, which aligns with CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read categories. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within Internet Explorer's rendering engine, specifically targeting the JavaScript engine and HTML parser components that manage memory allocation for web objects and elements. Attackers can craft malicious web pages containing specially formatted JavaScript code or HTML elements that, when rendered by the vulnerable browser, cause memory corruption through improper pointer arithmetic or buffer overflows. The exploitation mechanism typically involves triggering a memory corruption condition that allows attackers to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user. This vulnerability presents a significant risk as it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks and mass exploitation campaigns. The memory corruption occurs during normal browsing operations when Internet Explorer attempts to process malformed or specially crafted web content that exceeds expected memory boundaries or manipulates memory pointers in unexpected ways.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0288 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Once an attacker gains execution control through this vulnerability, they can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and deploy additional malware payloads. The vulnerability affects the browser's memory management functions specifically within the Internet Explorer rendering engine, making it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate through traditional security measures. This flaw represents a classic example of a use-after-free vulnerability where previously deallocated memory is accessed, or more specifically a heap overflow condition that can be leveraged to achieve code execution. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it operates within the browser's trusted execution environment, where user privileges are elevated to match the browser's operational context. Security analysts have documented this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1070 Indicator Removal on Host, as attackers often use this initial compromise to establish persistence and cover their tracks. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the widespread adoption of Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 across enterprise environments, making organizations particularly susceptible to coordinated attacks. Microsoft's vulnerability classification indicates this issue as a remote code execution flaw with a CVSS score reflecting its high severity, emphasizing the critical nature of immediate remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0288 focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements to prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement immediate patch management protocols to deploy Microsoft's security updates that address the memory corruption flaw in Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11. Browser security enhancements including enhanced memory protection features such as Data Execution Prevention (DEP) and Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) can significantly reduce exploitation success rates. Security teams should also consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, restricting ActiveX controls, and configuring Internet Explorer's security zones to limit access to potentially malicious content. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious web traffic that attempts to exploit this vulnerability. The implementation of sandboxing technologies and browser isolation solutions provides additional layers of protection by containing potential exploits within isolated environments. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of browser memory handling vulnerabilities to identify potential exploitation paths. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive incident response procedures that account for browser-based attacks, including user education programs to recognize phishing attempts that may deliver malicious web content. System administrators should monitor for signs of exploitation through log analysis and behavioral monitoring tools that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or unexpected code execution. The vulnerability's remediation requires not only software patches but also architectural considerations such as implementing secure coding practices in web browser development and establishing robust memory management protocols that prevent similar issues from occurring in future versions.