CVE-2014-2813 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 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-2014-2786 and CVE-2014-2792.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 that enables remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes, creating exploitable conditions that allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code on victim systems. The flaw specifically manifests when Internet Explorer processes malformed or crafted web content that triggers unexpected memory behavior patterns. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The memory corruption occurs in the browser's JavaScript engine or rendering components, where attackers can manipulate memory pointers or object references to overwrite critical system memory regions. The vulnerability affects all supported versions of Internet Explorer within the specified range, making it particularly dangerous as it targets widely deployed browser software. Attackers typically exploit this by hosting malicious web content that, when viewed in a vulnerable browser, triggers the memory corruption through carefully crafted HTML elements, JavaScript code, or embedded objects. The exploit chain often involves memory spraying techniques to ensure reliable code execution, leveraging the browser's memory management flaws to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. This vulnerability directly impacts enterprise environments where Internet Explorer remains the default browser, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise user systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
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 bypass standard security controls and execute malicious payloads with the privileges of the logged-in user. The memory corruption nature means that the vulnerability can lead to both persistent code execution and system instability, potentially causing denial of service conditions when exploited in certain scenarios. Security researchers have documented cases where this vulnerability was used in targeted attacks against enterprise networks, leveraging the browser's widespread use to achieve initial system compromise. The exploit typically requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may encounter such sites through phishing campaigns or compromised web resources. Organizations running affected versions of Internet Explorer face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or drive-by download scenarios. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that many organizations continue to use older versions of Internet Explorer in legacy applications or restricted environments where patching is not feasible. This creates extended attack surfaces where the vulnerability remains exploitable even when newer systems have been patched, requiring comprehensive inventory management and remediation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate patch deployment and browser security hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through the regular monthly patch cycle, with the vulnerability being resolved through the cumulative security update approach. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security patches to all affected systems, as the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. Browser security configurations should include enhanced protections such as sandboxing features, memory protection mechanisms, and restricted browsing environments to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Network security controls including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious web content targeting this vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual browser behavior, memory access patterns, and potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis. Organizations should also consider implementing browser migration strategies to newer, more secure browsers that have better memory management and security features, particularly given that Internet Explorer 9 through 11 are no longer supported by Microsoft. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing layered security approaches that reduce the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and ensuring that users are trained to recognize potential phishing attempts that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.