CVE-2014-4065 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 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-2014-2799, CVE-2014-4059, CVE-2014-4079, CVE-2014-4081, CVE-2014-4083, CVE-2014-4085, CVE-2014-4088, CVE-2014-4090, CVE-2014-4094, CVE-2014-4097, CVE-2014-4100, CVE-2014-4103, CVE-2014-4104, CVE-2014-4105, CVE-2014-4106, CVE-2014-4107, CVE-2014-4108, CVE-2014-4109, CVE-2014-4110, and CVE-2014-4111.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4065 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, exposing users to significant remote execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory structures during web page rendering, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code remotely. The issue stems from improper memory management when processing certain web content, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by threat actors to gain unauthorized system access or cause system instability.
This memory corruption vulnerability operates through the exploitation of memory layout issues within Internet Explorer's rendering engine, particularly affecting how the browser processes complex web elements and JavaScript code. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory addresses and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an "Out-of-bounds Read" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" which demonstrates the exploitation potential through web-based scripting languages.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4065 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it enables full system compromise when successfully exploited. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors on affected systems. The widespread adoption of Internet Explorer across enterprise environments and the browser's integration with Windows operating systems amplifies the potential damage. Organizations running older versions of Internet Explorer face the highest risk profile, as these versions lack modern security mitigations and are more susceptible to exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4065 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, along with network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems. Security teams should implement browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing sandboxing techniques, and deploying exploit prevention tools. Additionally, organizations should consider migrating to modern browsers with better security track records and implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious network activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping browser software updated and demonstrates how legacy browser support can create persistent security risks that require ongoing attention and remediation efforts.