CVE-2014-2776 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 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-2014-1769, CVE-2014-1782, CVE-2014-1785, CVE-2014-2753, CVE-2014-2755, CVE-2014-2760, CVE-2014-2761, and CVE-2014-2772.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory operations during web page rendering and script execution processes. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer encounters specially crafted HTML elements, JavaScript code, or ActiveX controls that trigger improper memory management behaviors within the browser's rendering engine. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by hosting malicious content on compromised websites or through social engineering tactics that direct users to visit harmful web pages. The memory corruption occurs at the kernel level within the browser's memory management subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard security mechanisms and potentially allow full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation operations during web page processing. When Internet Explorer 11 encounters malformed or malicious input data, the browser's memory management functions fail to properly validate memory boundaries or handle pointer operations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read classification, where the browser reads memory locations beyond the intended boundaries, and CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write, where malicious data can overwrite critical memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the browser's core rendering engine and can be triggered through normal web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack vector typically involves crafting web content that includes malformed JavaScript or HTML elements designed to trigger specific memory corruption patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and persistent access for attackers. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or maintain persistent access to victim systems. The vulnerability affects all versions of Internet Explorer 11 running on supported Windows operating systems and can be particularly devastating in enterprise environments where users frequently browse the internet and may inadvertently visit compromised websites. The memory corruption can also lead to denial of service conditions where the browser crashes or becomes unresponsive, disrupting normal business operations. Additionally, the vulnerability's similarity to other related CVEs such as CVE-2014-1769 and CVE-2014-1782 indicates a broader pattern of memory management issues within the Internet Explorer browser family, suggesting that multiple related vulnerabilities may exist in the same codebase.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including deploying security patches from Microsoft, implementing browser isolation techniques, and restricting access to potentially malicious websites through network-level controls. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious domains. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer and ensure timely patch deployment. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to avoid potential compatibility issues with existing applications. Organizations should also develop incident response procedures specifically addressing memory corruption vulnerabilities and establish monitoring capabilities to detect potential exploitation attempts. Given the severity of this vulnerability and its potential for system compromise, immediate action is required to protect against exploitation attempts.