CVE-2014-1803 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 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-2014-0282, CVE-2014-1775, CVE-2014-1779, CVE-2014-1799, and CVE-2014-2757.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures during web page rendering processes, specifically when processing malformed or crafted HTML elements that trigger buffer overflows or heap corruption. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web content that, when loaded in a vulnerable IE browser, causes the application to corrupt memory regions and subsequently execute attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the current user. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the memory management level, making it difficult to detect through standard security measures and allowing for sophisticated exploitation techniques that bypass modern security mitigations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1803 extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and persistent backdoor establishment. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability enables attackers to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement within networks, and establishment of persistent access points. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires user interaction through visiting a malicious website, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and script injection and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial compromise often leads to privilege escalation opportunities within the compromised system.
The technical implementation of this memory corruption vulnerability involves manipulation of JavaScript engine memory structures or COM object handling during web page parsing. Attackers craft specific HTML or JavaScript payloads that trigger memory corruption when processed by IE's rendering engine, often leveraging heap spraying techniques to ensure successful exploitation. The vulnerability affects multiple IE versions simultaneously, indicating a fundamental flaw in the browser's memory management rather than a version-specific issue, which makes it particularly widespread and difficult to remediate. Security researchers have documented various exploitation vectors including use of ActiveX controls, embedded objects, and specific JavaScript APIs that when combined create conditions for memory corruption. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of compromise, as the exploitation requires minimal user interaction and can be automated through social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1803 focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term remediation approaches. Microsoft released security patches through regular update cycles, but organizations should implement additional protective measures including browser hardening, network-based filtering, and user education programs to reduce successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as the memory corruption nature makes traditional signature-based detection methods ineffective. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting, disabling unnecessary browser features, and deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious memory access patterns. Given the vulnerability's classification under CWE-125 and its exploitation patterns, security teams should prioritize monitoring for anomalous memory usage and implement automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation across all affected systems.