CVE-2014-2770 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 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-2014-1781, CVE-2014-1792, and CVE-2014-1804.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2770 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability specifically affects Internet Explorer 8 running on Windows operating systems and operates as a distinct threat vector from other contemporaneous vulnerabilities such as CVE-2014-1781, CVE-2014-1792, and CVE-2014-1804, which underscores the complexity and prevalence of memory corruption issues in browser implementations during this period. The flaw stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes when processing specially crafted web pages, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in memory management, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes that can lead to memory corruption. Attackers exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that, when loaded in Internet Explorer 8, trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the browser's memory management subsystem. These conditions occur when the browser attempts to access memory locations beyond allocated boundaries or continues to reference memory that has already been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be leveraged for code execution. The vulnerability typically manifests when the browser processes complex web content involving JavaScript, ActiveX controls, or other dynamic elements that interact with memory management functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2770 extends beyond simple exploitation capabilities to encompass significant security risks for organizations and individual users. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain full control over affected systems, potentially enabling them to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that users need only visit a compromised website to be vulnerable, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or compromised advertising networks. Organizations running Internet Explorer 8 environments face substantial risk exposure, particularly in enterprise settings where legacy browser support may be required for compatibility reasons, and the lack of modern security features in IE8 increases the attack surface significantly. The vulnerability also impacts denial of service scenarios where attackers can crash the browser or system through controlled memory corruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2770 primarily involve immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory management flaws in Internet Explorer 8. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest available security patches from Microsoft and consider implementing browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through memory corruption attacks, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. Additional protective measures include network-level filtering to block access to known malicious domains, user education regarding suspicious website visits, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious content patterns. Given the age of Internet Explorer 8 and the lack of ongoing support, organizations should consider migrating to modern browser implementations that include robust memory safety features and regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising their security posture.