CVE-2014-2766 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-2014-2758, CVE-2014-2759, CVE-2014-2765, 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 • 08/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2766 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions through the exploitation of malformed web content. The flaw specifically resides within the browser's handling of memory operations during web page rendering, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the browser's memory structures. Unlike other related vulnerabilities in the same timeframe such as CVE-2014-1773, CVE-2014-1783, and CVE-2014-1795, this particular vulnerability demonstrates distinct characteristics in its exploitation methodology and impact vectors. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption issues that are commonly classified under CWE-125, which represents "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions, and CWE-787, which covers "Out-of-bounds Write" scenarios. These classifications reflect the fundamental nature of the flaw where the browser's memory management mechanisms are bypassed through crafted input that triggers unexpected behavior in memory allocation and deallocation processes. The attack surface for this vulnerability is extensive as it targets the core rendering engine of Internet Explorer, making it particularly dangerous for users who frequently browse the web without up-to-date security patches. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the browser. The memory corruption occurs during the processing of specific HTML elements or JavaScript code that causes the browser to improperly handle memory addresses, leading to potential code execution or system instability. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise environments where Internet Explorer remains the primary browser for legacy applications or internal systems. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering tactics, where users are directed to compromised websites that contain malicious code designed to exploit the memory corruption flaw. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers could gain elevated system privileges. This risk is particularly concerning given that Internet Explorer was widely used in corporate environments where users often operate with administrative privileges. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting the T1059.007 technique related to PowerShell and the T1203 technique for legitimate credentials. Organizations should consider implementing network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious domains. Additionally, the vulnerability's susceptibility to automated exploitation means that organizations should prioritize patch management and ensure that all Internet Explorer installations are updated with the latest security patches. The remediation approach should include comprehensive browser security hardening measures, including the implementation of sandboxing technologies and the deployment of security policies that restrict browser functionality in high-risk environments. Given the severity of memory corruption vulnerabilities, organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Internet Explorer versions indicates that attackers can target a broad user base, making it essential for security teams to conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential exposure points. Organizations should also implement user education programs that emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and maintaining updated software versions. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments to ensure compatibility with existing applications and prevent unintended service disruptions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on memory-related system calls and process behavior anomalies.