CVE-2014-0298 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0298 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11. This vulnerability resides within the browser's handling of memory allocation and management processes, specifically when processing malformed or specially crafted web content. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical nature of this memory corruption vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the intended boundaries. In Internet Explorer's case, the flaw occurs during the processing of web content that triggers improper memory handling routines. Attackers can craft web pages containing malicious JavaScript or HTML elements that when rendered by the browser cause memory corruption. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how the browser handles certain data structures during page parsing and rendering operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for enterprise environments where Internet Explorer remains in use. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely means that attackers can gain full system control, install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The denial of service component can be leveraged to disrupt business operations by causing browser crashes or system instability. Organizations running older versions of Internet Explorer face heightened risk as these browsers lack modern security mitigations and are more susceptible to exploitation. The vulnerability also impacts user productivity since attacks can occur during routine browsing activities, making detection and prevention challenging.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. Immediate patching of affected Internet Explorer versions represents the primary mitigation strategy, as Microsoft released security updates specifically addressing this flaw. Network segmentation and web filtering solutions can help reduce exposure by blocking access to known malicious sites. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary features and implementing strict content security policies provide additional protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping browser software current and implementing automated patch management processes. Organizations should also consider transitioning away from legacy Internet Explorer versions to more modern browsers with better security track records and active support. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive browser security strategies as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for browser-based attack vectors.