CVE-2014-0322 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 and 10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving crafted JavaScript code, CMarkup, and the onpropertychange attribute of a script element, as exploited in the wild in January and February 2014.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0322 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 and 10 that enabled remote code execution through sophisticated JavaScript exploitation techniques. This vulnerability operates within the browser's rendering engine and specifically targets memory management mechanisms that handle dynamic object allocation and deallocation. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer processes crafted JavaScript code that manipulates CMarkup objects and leverages the onpropertychange attribute of script elements to trigger memory corruption conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic use-after-free scenario where an attacker can manipulate JavaScript code to cause a reference to be used after the memory it points to has been freed and potentially reallocated. In the context of Internet Explorer 9 and 10, the exploitation occurs through the manipulation of CMarkup objects which are part of the browser's internal markup processing system. When the onpropertychange event handler is triggered on a script element, it creates conditions where previously freed memory can be accessed, leading to arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software systems. The attack vector requires the user to visit a malicious webpage containing the crafted JavaScript payload, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation in the wild.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors on vulnerable systems. The exploitation occurred in real-world attacks during January and February 2014, demonstrating that threat actors were actively targeting these specific browser versions. The vulnerability affects systems running Internet Explorer 9 and 10 on Windows operating systems, particularly those without the latest security patches. The attack requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently access compromised web content.
Organizations and security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates and implementing browser hardening measures. The recommended approach involves disabling JavaScript or implementing strict content security policies to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, security teams should deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and ensure that all Internet Explorer installations are updated to patched versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser software and implementing layered security controls. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving exploitation of vulnerabilities and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the browser execution environment and user access levels. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious JavaScript behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The incident underscores the critical need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.