CVE-2014-2758 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-2014-1783, CVE-2014-1784, CVE-2014-1786, CVE-2014-1795, CVE-2014-1805, CVE-2014-2759, CVE-2014-2765, CVE-2014-2766, and CVE-2014-2775.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically when processing crafted web content that triggers heap corruption through malformed data structures or improper memory allocation patterns. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected IE versions, cause the browser to allocate or access memory beyond its intended boundaries, creating opportunities for code injection or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering pipeline to manipulate memory pointers and heap structures through carefully crafted HTML elements, JavaScript code, or embedded ActiveX controls. When a user visits an attacker-controlled website, the malicious content triggers a sequence of memory operations that result in buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the browser's memory management subsystem. This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities through memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2758 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to represent a sophisticated attack vector that can be weaponized in targeted campaigns. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in phishing campaigns, drive-by download attacks, or watering hole attacks where compromised websites serve as delivery mechanisms for malware payloads. The widespread adoption of Internet Explorer 9 through 11 across enterprise environments made this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as exploitation could affect numerous systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly effective for automated attack campaigns that can achieve remote code execution without user consent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the underlying memory corruption issues in the browser's memory management. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and deploying sandboxing technologies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious web content targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and keeping browser software updated. The vulnerability's exploitation can be mitigated through the implementation of exploit prevention technologies such as DEP (Data Execution Prevention), ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization), and stack canaries that make successful exploitation more difficult and detectable. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.