CVE-2014-4089 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-2014-4080, CVE-2014-4091, and CVE-2014-4102.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2022
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 arises from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically affecting how Internet Explorer processes certain web elements. Attackers can craft malicious websites that trigger memory corruption when the browser attempts to render specific content, leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited to manipulate memory contents. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the browser's trust model to execute malicious payloads without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption through improper input validation and handling of web content. When Internet Explorer encounters crafted web elements, the browser's memory management system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input data, leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers. The exploitation typically occurs during the parsing and rendering of web pages, where the browser's JavaScript engine or rendering components encounter malformed data structures. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain code execution. The memory corruption can manifest as heap corruption, stack corruption, or other memory management issues that allow attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the browser's memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and persistent access. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, system monitoring, or further network penetration. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server environments where Internet Explorer is installed, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments. Organizations running these browser versions face increased risk of targeted attacks, especially when users browse untrusted websites or receive malicious emails with embedded web content. The vulnerability's impact is compounded by the fact that Internet Explorer was widely used across enterprise networks, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory corruption issues in the browser's rendering engine. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Network-level protections including web proxies and content filtering systems can help prevent access to malicious websites. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and avoiding untrusted websites is crucial. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement intrusion detection systems to identify potential attacks targeting this specific memory corruption vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing help identify potential exposure points while maintaining compliance with security frameworks that require proactive vulnerability management.