CVE-2014-2811 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-2014-2810, CVE-2014-2822, CVE-2014-2823, and CVE-2014-4057.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The issue arises from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer processes certain web elements. Attackers can craft specially designed websites that trigger memory corruption when the browser attempts to render malicious content, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and browser security, where improper bounds checking in the JavaScript engine or rendering components allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious instructions. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that are commonly exploited in browser-based attacks. When exploited, the memory corruption typically occurs during the processing of complex web elements such as HTML tables, JavaScript objects, or dynamic content generation, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access to affected systems. Attackers can use this vulnerability as a initial access vector to deploy additional malware or establish backdoors, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects Windows operating systems that include Internet Explorer 11, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where browser-based attacks are common. Organizations running affected versions of Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 are at significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browsing without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack surface is broad due to the widespread use of Internet Explorer and the difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate and malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates, as well as implementation of network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Organizations should consider implementing browser hardening measures, including disabling unnecessary browser features and enabling enhanced security settings. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping browser software up to date, as it represents a known flaw that Microsoft addressed through security updates. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns and web-based attack attempts, while considering browser isolation techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify additional vulnerabilities that may be present in legacy browser configurations, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar memory corruption threats.