CVE-2014-2806 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-2014-2787, CVE-2014-2790, and CVE-2014-2802.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks through malicious web content. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer processes certain web elements. Attackers can craft malicious websites that, when visited by an unsuspecting user, trigger memory corruption conditions that allow arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction beyond visiting the compromised website, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and social engineering campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption patterns that can be exploited through various vectors including malformed HTML, JavaScript, or ActiveX controls. The flaw occurs during the parsing and rendering of web content, where improper memory management leads to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. These memory corruption issues typically arise when the browser attempts to handle complex web page structures or when processing data from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering components, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the running browser process. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over the affected system, potentially establishing persistent backdoors, installing malware, or accessing sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote exploitation nature makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently visit compromised websites through phishing attacks, malicious advertisements, or compromised web applications. Organizations face significant risk from this vulnerability as it can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats, credential theft, and lateral movement within networks. The denial of service component of this vulnerability can also be used to disrupt business operations by making affected systems unavailable to legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches, which address the underlying memory corruption issues in Internet Explorer 11. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and using enhanced security configurations. Network-based protections like web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Users should be educated about safe browsing practices and the risks of visiting untrusted websites. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing browser isolation techniques and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping browser software updated and implementing defense-in-depth strategies as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's browser exploitation techniques, particularly those related to exploitation of browser vulnerabilities and privilege escalation through memory corruption. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify additional attack vectors that may be leveraged alongside this specific vulnerability.