CVE-2014-4090 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-2014-4079, CVE-2014-4081, CVE-2014-4083, CVE-2014-4085, CVE-2014-4088, 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 affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition. The flaw occurs when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory handling during rendering operations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by hosting malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, cause memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with advanced persistent threat techniques as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter. The memory corruption manifests when the browser engine fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object manipulation, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious payloads.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering components failing to properly handle malformed or specially constructed data structures. When users navigate to compromised websites, the vulnerable code paths in Internet Explorer's memory management system are triggered, leading to unpredictable behavior that attackers can manipulate for code execution. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer spanning nearly a decade, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation campaigns. The flaw operates at the kernel level memory management interface, where buffer overflows or improper memory deallocation can occur when processing complex web content. The exploitation typically involves crafting specific HTML, JavaScript, or ActiveX content that forces the browser into a state where memory corruption becomes exploitable, often requiring user interaction through web navigation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include comprehensive system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in full system control, allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, establish persistence mechanisms, and access sensitive user data. The vulnerability's wide version compatibility means that organizations with legacy Internet Explorer installations face significant risk exposure, particularly in enterprise environments where browser upgrades may be delayed or restricted. Organizations utilizing Internet Explorer for business-critical applications are especially vulnerable as attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to corporate networks. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability can also be weaponized to disrupt business operations through targeted website defacement or service interruption attacks.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate protection and long-term remediation approaches to effectively counter this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves applying Microsoft's security patches and updates as released through the Microsoft Security Response Center, which provide direct fixes to the memory corruption issues. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious web content before it reaches user browsers. Browser hardening techniques including disabling unnecessary features, implementing sandboxing mechanisms, and restricting ActiveX controls can significantly reduce exploitation success rates. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining current browser versions. Network segmentation and monitoring systems can help detect exploitation attempts by identifying unusual traffic patterns or attempts to access known malicious domains, providing early warning capabilities that complement traditional patch management approaches.