CVE-2014-4057 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-2014-2811, CVE-2014-2822, and CVE-2014-2823.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution 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 specially designed web pages that trigger memory corruption when the browser attempts to render or execute specific JavaScript or HTML components. This vulnerability operates at the core level of the browser's memory management system, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system crashes that can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. These memory corruption issues typically occur when the browser fails to properly validate input data or memory boundaries during web page rendering processes. The vulnerability specifically affects Internet Explorer 11's JavaScript engine and rendering components, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The exploitation mechanism leverages memory corruption patterns that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the browser.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for enterprise environments where Internet Explorer 11 remains in use, particularly in legacy systems that have not been migrated to newer browser versions. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised simply by visiting a malicious website, making it a high-impact threat that can affect large user bases simultaneously. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's similarity to other IE memory corruption issues like CVE-2014-2810 through CVE-2014-2823 indicates a broader pattern of memory management flaws in the browser's architecture, suggesting that multiple related vulnerabilities may exist within the same codebase.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including deploying Microsoft security updates, configuring browser security settings to restrict potentially dangerous content, and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers exploitation for execution, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening measures, including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit potential damage. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer 11 and ensure timely patch deployment across all affected endpoints.