CVE-2014-0313 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 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-2014-0321.
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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 10 and 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations during web page rendering, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web content that triggers buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions in the browser's memory management subsystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a user visits a malicious website that contains specially crafted javascript or html content designed to trigger the memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-on user, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level where user interaction is minimal, requiring only the act of visiting a compromised website to trigger the exploit. This aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation for execution through web-based attacks targeting browser vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential denial of service conditions that can crash the browser application or even the entire operating system. When exploited successfully, attackers can gain persistent access to compromised systems, establish backdoors, or escalate privileges to system administrator level. The vulnerability affects both Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems where these Internet Explorer versions are installed, making it particularly widespread in enterprise environments where these platforms remain prevalent. Organizations running these affected browser versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor released specific fixes for this vulnerability in their regular security bulletins. Network administrators should implement web filtering solutions and browser hardening measures to reduce exposure, including disabling unnecessary browser features and implementing strict content security policies. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their systems updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered defense mechanisms to protect against sophisticated browser-based attacks that target fundamental application memory management functions.