CVE-2014-0297 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 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-2014-0308, CVE-2014-0312, and CVE-2014-0324.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 through 11 that enables remote code execution attacks. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations when processing specially crafted web content, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the browser's rendering engine and memory management systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where IE is widely deployed. According to CWE-125, this corresponds to an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to memory corruption, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution. The flaw allows adversaries to manipulate memory structures through web-based attacks without requiring user interaction, making it especially perilous in targeted campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulating the browser's object model and memory allocation processes during web page rendering. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within Internet Explorer's memory management subsystem. These conditions occur when the browser attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed or when data exceeds allocated buffer boundaries. The memory corruption can manifest in various ways including heap corruption, stack corruption, or pointer manipulation that ultimately allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can gain SYSTEM level access on compromised systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across enterprise networks where Internet Explorer remains in active use. Organizations with legacy systems running IE8 through 11 are particularly vulnerable as these versions are still deployed in many corporate environments despite being out of mainstream support. The vulnerability can be exploited through drive-by downloads, malicious websites, or compromised web applications that deliver the malicious payload directly to users' browsers. Network administrators face significant challenges in detecting and mitigating attacks since the exploitation occurs entirely within the browser context without requiring additional network-based attack vectors. The vulnerability's similarity to other IE memory corruption flaws from the same timeframe indicates a systemic weakness in Microsoft's browser security architecture that requires comprehensive remediation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the memory corruption issues. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content filtering, and deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of unauthorized code. Network-based defenses should include web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems configured to identify and block malicious web traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of accidental exploitation through social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework recommends implementing multiple layers of defense including endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious memory access patterns and potential exploitation indicators. Organizations should also establish robust incident response procedures specifically designed to handle browser-based memory corruption attacks and maintain detailed forensic capabilities for post-incident analysis.