CVE-2014-4055 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-2014-2796, CVE-2014-2808, CVE-2014-2825, CVE-2014-4050, and CVE-2014-4067.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
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 specially designed web pages that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within IE's memory management subsystem, leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the browser context without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787 as "Out-of-bounds Write," reflecting the core memory corruption mechanisms that enable exploitation. The attack surface extends across all Windows operating systems that include IE10 or IE11, particularly affecting enterprise environments where these browsers remain in use despite end-of-life status. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1059 "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as it leverages browser-based exploitation to execute malicious payloads. The memory corruption occurs during JavaScript engine processing, specifically when handling complex object hierarchies and memory allocation patterns that IE fails to properly validate. Attackers typically employ techniques such as heap spraying and return-oriented programming to bypass modern exploit mitigations like ASLR and DEP. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple remote code execution to include complete system compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation and persistent backdoor installation. Organizations should note that this vulnerability was patched in Microsoft's August 2014 security updates, but many systems remain unpatched, particularly in legacy enterprise environments where browser upgrades are delayed due to compatibility concerns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires understanding of IE's JavaScript engine internals and memory management patterns. When a malicious web page is loaded, the browser's rendering engine processes JavaScript code that triggers a specific memory corruption condition. This typically occurs when the browser attempts to manipulate objects in memory that have already been freed or when buffer boundaries are exceeded during object manipulation. The flaw exploits the difference between how IE handles memory allocation for JavaScript objects versus how it validates object references, creating a scenario where an attacker can control memory layout and overwrite critical data structures. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of a use-after-free condition where a pointer references freed memory, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow through carefully crafted input. Security researchers have documented that the exploitation process involves multiple stages including information disclosure to map memory regions, followed by heap grooming techniques to ensure successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-119 as "Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer" highlights the fundamental flaw in memory boundary checking. This particular vulnerability has been widely targeted in nation-state attacks and advanced persistent threat campaigns due to its reliability and the prevalence of affected systems. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it ideal for automated exploitation campaigns. Organizations should recognize that this vulnerability represents a classic example of a browser-based exploit chain that can be leveraged for comprehensive system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates in August 2014 that addressed the memory corruption issues through improved memory validation and boundary checking mechanisms. The recommended solution involves applying these patches immediately to all affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where legacy browser support is maintained. Beyond patching, organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content. Security teams should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and sandboxing to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly susceptible to exploit prevention through modern security controls, including exploit protection features, application whitelisting, and runtime monitoring systems. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running unsupported browser versions that may still be vulnerable to this and similar memory corruption flaws. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and implementing layered defenses to prevent initial compromise. The exploitation process often involves multiple attack phases that can be detected through behavioral monitoring and network traffic analysis. Security professionals should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. The vulnerability's persistence in legacy environments underscores the need for comprehensive end-of-life management strategies and regular security audits to identify and remediate outdated browser installations that may continue to expose organizations to known exploits.