CVE-2014-1783 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," a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-1773, CVE-2014-1784, CVE-2014-1786, CVE-2014-1795, CVE-2014-1805, CVE-2014-2758, CVE-2014-2759, CVE-2014-2765, CVE-2014-2766, and CVE-2014-2775.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
The CVE-2014-1783 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of heap-based buffer overflows and memory corruption issues that have historically plagued web browsers. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web pages that trigger memory corruption conditions in the browser's rendering engine, specifically within the JavaScript engine or memory management components. Security researchers identified this vulnerability as distinct from several other related issues in the same timeframe, indicating a unique exploitation vector that required specific conditions to be met for successful exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that occurs during the processing of web content, particularly when handling certain JavaScript objects or DOM elements. Attackers can craft malicious websites that, when loaded in vulnerable Internet Explorer versions, cause the browser to allocate memory incorrectly or access memory locations outside of intended boundaries. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or take complete control of the affected system. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-125, out-of-bounds read, which are common patterns in browser exploitation. The memory corruption typically occurs in the browser's memory management subsystem where JavaScript objects are created, manipulated, and eventually destroyed.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1783 extends beyond simple exploitation to include significant security risks for enterprise environments and individual users. Organizations running Internet Explorer 9 through 11 were particularly vulnerable as these versions remained widely deployed in corporate networks despite Microsoft's release of patches. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that simply visiting a compromised website could result in system compromise, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and targeted phishing campaigns. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that many users had no control over their browser versions, especially in enterprise settings where legacy systems were still in use. This vulnerability contributed to the broader landscape of Internet Explorer security issues that led to Microsoft's eventual recommendation to migrate away from Internet Explorer in favor of more secure browser alternatives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1783 required immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, specifically addressing the memory corruption issues in the browser's JavaScript engine. Organizations needed to implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems received updates promptly, as the vulnerability was actively exploited in the wild. Browser security hardening measures, including enabling protected mode, using enhanced security configuration, and implementing application whitelisting, provided additional defense layers. The vulnerability's exploitation patterns made it particularly suitable for sandbox escape techniques, which is why organizations often implemented additional security controls such as disabling ActiveX controls, restricting JavaScript execution, and employing web application firewalls to filter malicious content. This vulnerability highlighted the importance of keeping browser software updated and demonstrated how memory corruption flaws in web browsers could provide attackers with complete system compromise capabilities, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through scripting and T1070 for indicator removal.