CVE-2014-0325 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site that triggers improper processing of CElement objects, aka "Internet Explorer Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-1751 and CVE-2014-1755. NOTE: MS14-018 originally had a typo of CVE-2014-0235 for this.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0325 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. This vulnerability specifically targets the improper handling of CElement objects within the browser's memory management system, creating a condition where freed memory locations can be accessed and manipulated by attackers. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer processes crafted web pages that trigger the browser to improperly manage object lifecycles, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition that occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed. The issue arises from the browser's object model implementation where CElement objects are not properly validated after deallocation, allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents through carefully crafted web content. The exploitation process typically involves creating a specific memory layout that, when freed, can be reused by the attacker to inject malicious code into the browser's memory space. This particular vulnerability demonstrates a classic memory corruption issue that has been a persistent challenge in web browser security implementations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0325 is significant as it affects Internet Explorer 9 users across multiple Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows 8. The remote exploitation capability means that users can be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website without any interaction required beyond normal browsing. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attacks and mass exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks, allowing attackers to gain elevated system privileges and potentially establish persistent access to affected systems. Security researchers have noted that the memory corruption pattern associated with this vulnerability aligns with common exploitation techniques used in advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft Security Bulletin MS14-018 which addresses the specific memory corruption issue through proper object lifecycle management. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, enabling enhanced security settings, and deploying sandboxing technologies to limit the impact of successful exploits. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping browsers updated and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious content patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving memory corruption and privilege escalation, making it particularly relevant for defensive security teams focusing on browser-based attack vectors. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and awareness of social engineering tactics that might be used to deliver malicious content remains crucial in mitigating the overall risk associated with this and similar vulnerabilities.