CVE-2014-0305 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 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-2014-0299 and CVE-2014-0311.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer spanning versions 6 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as improper initialization of memory. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer handles certain web content structures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious web pages that trigger memory corruption when the browser attempts to process specific elements, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. The flaw operates at the core level of the browser's memory handling mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged for remote code execution without user interaction in many scenarios.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2014-0305 involves manipulating memory pointers and buffer boundaries through crafted HTML or JavaScript content that causes the browser to write beyond allocated memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code within the browser context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer simultaneously, indicating a fundamental flaw in the browser's architecture rather than a simple coding error. The memory corruption can manifest as heap corruption, stack corruption, or other memory management failures that ultimately result in the browser crashing or allowing unauthorized code execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on older Internet Explorer versions, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing activities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites. The memory corruption can lead to system instability, data loss, and potentially full system compromise when combined with other exploit techniques. Organizations using Internet Explorer 6 through 11 are particularly vulnerable as these versions are no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft, leaving them exposed to persistent threats. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers do not need physical access to systems to exploit it, making it a high-priority concern for security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0305 should focus on immediate remediation through browser upgrades to supported versions, as Microsoft has released patches for all affected versions. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit for client execution, emphasizing the need for network-level protections. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to avoid visiting untrusted websites and ensure that legacy systems are properly isolated from critical network segments. Given the age of the affected versions, organizations should prioritize migration to modern browsers and implement strict browser compatibility testing for legacy applications to prevent continued exposure to this and similar vulnerabilities.