CVE-2014-2796 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 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-2014-2808, CVE-2014-2825, CVE-2014-4050, CVE-2014-4055, and CVE-2014-4067.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations during web page rendering, specifically when processing certain JavaScript objects and DOM elements. Attackers can craft malicious websites that exploit this weakness by manipulating memory pointers or buffer boundaries in ways that cause the browser to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. The flaw operates at the core rendering engine level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass many traditional security controls and execute within the browser's privileged execution context. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" which involves using vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems through web browsers. The memory corruption occurs during the processing of complex JavaScript objects that interact with the browser's internal memory management systems, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code into the browser process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installation, credential theft, or further network reconnaissance. The exploit requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios. The vulnerability's persistence in both IE10 and IE11 versions means that organizations with legacy browser deployments face significant risk, especially in environments where browser updates are delayed or restricted. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability as part of broader attack chains, using it to establish initial access points before deploying more sophisticated malware or conducting lateral movement within networks. The memory corruption aspect means that the attack can also cause denial of service conditions, potentially crashing the browser or system entirely, which can be used for disruptive attacks or to mask more serious exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate browser updates and security configuration hardening. Microsoft released emergency patches for this vulnerability through Windows Update, making it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date security patches across all systems. Browser isolation techniques and security zones configuration can provide additional protection layers, though these are less effective against sophisticated attacks. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block malicious content, though they may not prevent all exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement browser hardening policies that disable unnecessary features and restrict JavaScript execution where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current browser security postures and demonstrates how legacy browser support can create extended attack surfaces that require continuous monitoring and remediation efforts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of browser security configurations to ensure that systems remain protected against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2014-2796.