CVE-2014-4079 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-2014-4065, 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
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer spanning versions 6 through 11, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory operations when processing crafted web content, allowing remote attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. Attackers can exploit this by hosting malicious web pages that trigger specific memory access patterns within the browser's rendering engine, particularly affecting the Internet Explorer scripting and rendering components.
The technical mechanism of exploitation involves manipulating memory pointers and buffer operations during web page rendering, where Internet Explorer fails to properly validate memory boundaries when processing malformed content. This vulnerability specifically targets the browser's memory management subsystem, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations or execute malicious code within the browser's security context. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflows and use-after-free conditions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on older Internet Explorer versions, as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack surface is extensive given the widespread deployment of Internet Explorer across enterprise environments, particularly in legacy systems where browser updates may be delayed or restricted. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the Windows command shell through browser-based exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected Internet Explorer versions, with organizations implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. Browser isolation techniques and mandatory upgrade policies for Internet Explorer components provide additional defense layers against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing browser-based memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date browser security patches and demonstrates how legacy browser support can create persistent security risks in enterprise environments. Organizations should consider transitioning to modern browser architectures and implementing zero-trust security models that minimize exposure to such vulnerabilities through reduced attack surface and enhanced security controls.