CVE-2014-2774 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-2014-2820, CVE-2014-2826, CVE-2014-2827, and CVE-2014-4063.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer spanning versions 6 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes, specifically when processing malformed or crafted HTML elements. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web content that triggers a buffer overflow or use-after-free condition within the browser's memory management subsystem. The flaw operates at the kernel level of browser functionality where memory structures are manipulated, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard security mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation typically results in full system compromise. The memory corruption occurs when Internet Explorer processes specific combinations of HTML tags, JavaScript, and ActiveX controls that cause the browser to improperly manage memory pointers. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it can be triggered through simple web browsing without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious site, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulating the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering pipeline to cause memory corruption through improper memory management practices. When Internet Explorer encounters crafted web content, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object allocation, leading to corruption of adjacent memory locations. This corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical function pointers or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow to malicious code injected into the browser's memory space. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through multiple vectors including HTML injection, JavaScript manipulation, and even PDF rendering within the browser context. The vulnerability affects all versions from IE6 through IE11, representing a widespread issue across Microsoft's browser ecosystem. The memory corruption typically manifests as heap corruption or stack smashing, where the attacker can control the overwritten memory contents to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the browser. This vulnerability is categorized under the broader class of heap-based buffer overflows and memory corruption issues, which are fundamental weaknesses in software memory management that have been extensively documented in security literature.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple denial of service, presenting significant risks to enterprise environments and individual users alike. Organizations running older versions of Internet Explorer face severe exposure as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain full administrative control over affected systems. The exploitability factor is high due to the ease with which malicious websites can be constructed to trigger the memory corruption, making it a popular target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors. In enterprise settings, this vulnerability can serve as a primary entry point for lateral movement within networks, as compromised systems can be used to pivot to other network resources. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple IE versions means that organizations cannot simply upgrade to a newer version to mitigate the risk, requiring comprehensive patch management and potentially legacy system decommissioning. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of their overall threat landscape, particularly when evaluating web application security and browser hardening strategies. The potential for remote code execution makes this vulnerability particularly attractive for advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers seek long-term access to target networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying Microsoft's security patches as soon as they become available, though organizations should note that patch deployment can be complex in enterprise environments with legacy systems. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary features, restricting ActiveX controls, and implementing strict content filtering can reduce exploit success rates. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious web content before it reaches user systems. Organizations should implement multi-layered security approaches including regular vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security awareness training to reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security monitoring systems that can detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Security teams should establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle browser-based exploits, including forensic analysis capabilities and rapid containment protocols. Regular security audits should evaluate browser configurations and ensure that outdated browsers are properly decommissioned to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2014-2774.