CVE-2014-1794 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-2014-1772, CVE-2014-1780, CVE-2014-1797, CVE-2014-1802, CVE-2014-2756, CVE-2014-2763, CVE-2014-2764, CVE-2014-2769, and CVE-2014-2771.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
This vulnerability affects Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks through malicious websites. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically when processing crafted web content that triggers buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, cause memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability is distinct from several other related issues in the same vulnerability family, indicating a unique code path or memory management flaw within the browser's JavaScript engine or HTML parser. This type of memory corruption vulnerability typically falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, or CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, though the exact implementation details of this specific flaw are more complex due to the browser's object model and memory management systems. The attack surface is broad as it only requires a user to visit a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and code execution, and represents a common vector for initial access in advanced persistent threat campaigns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting web content that triggers specific memory corruption patterns within Internet Explorer's memory management subsystem. When the browser processes malformed HTML or JavaScript elements, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries, leading to corruption of adjacent memory regions that can be manipulated to redirect execution flow. The memory corruption typically occurs during the parsing or rendering of complex web elements such as HTML tables, CSS properties, or JavaScript objects that interact with the browser's internal memory structures. This flaw can be triggered through various attack vectors including embedded scripts, dynamic content generation, or manipulation of DOM elements that cause the browser to allocate or deallocate memory in unexpected ways. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can gain elevated system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may have administrative privileges. The memory corruption affects the browser's ability to maintain stable execution, potentially causing crashes or system instability that can be exploited for denial of service attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Internet Explorer 10 and 11, as it provides attackers with a reliable method for gaining unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly effective in social engineering campaigns where users might inadvertently visit malicious sites. Organizations face potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement opportunities when this vulnerability exists in their environment, as attackers can establish persistent access through the executed malicious code. The vulnerability's presence can also lead to regulatory compliance issues and increased security audit findings, particularly in environments governed by standards such as iso 27001 or nist cyber security framework. Security teams must implement immediate mitigation strategies including browser updates, network segmentation, and user education to reduce exposure. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur through various delivery mechanisms including compromised websites, malicious advertisements, or spear-phishing emails that direct users to vulnerable sites. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation technologies or alternative browsing solutions to reduce risk exposure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vendor has released specific patches addressing the memory corruption flaw in affected browser versions. Network-based protections should include web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious web content targeting this specific vulnerability. Browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary features, implementing strict security policies, and using sandboxing techniques can significantly reduce exploitation success rates. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous browser behavior or memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that mitigation measures remain effective. User training programs should emphasize safe browsing practices and the recognition of potentially malicious websites. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, restricting browser access to trusted domains, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures that can detect known exploit payloads. The vulnerability's remediation requires a multi-layered approach combining vendor patches, network controls, and user awareness to effectively protect against exploitation attempts.