CVE-2014-2785 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service when users visit malicious websites. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer processes certain web content. The flaw exists in the way the browser manages memory allocation and deallocation when parsing web pages, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted malicious content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing web pages with malformed data structures that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption when Internet Explorer attempts to render them. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing of HTML elements, JavaScript execution, or CSS properties that exceed allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain code execution privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2785 is significant as it allows attackers to achieve remote code execution without user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Once exploited, the vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects all versions of Internet Explorer 7 running on supported Windows operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where legacy browser versions remain in use. The memory corruption can also result in denial of service conditions that cause the browser to crash or become unresponsive, disrupting normal business operations.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, as well as browser hardening measures such as disabling automatic execution of ActiveX controls and implementing strict content filtering policies. Organizations should consider implementing network-based protections through firewalls and intrusion detection systems to block malicious web content. Browser isolation techniques and mandatory access controls can further reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify unpatched systems, while user education programs can help reduce the risk of visiting malicious websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping browser software updated and implementing layered security approaches to protect against memory corruption exploits that can bypass traditional security controls.