CVE-2014-4097 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-2014-4090, CVE-2014-4094, 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 • 12/22/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory structures when processing crafted web content, specifically through maliciously constructed web pages that trigger buffer overflow conditions in the browser's memory management subsystem. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious content on compromised websites or through social engineering techniques that lure victims into visiting malicious pages. The flaw operates at the application level within the browser's rendering engine, where memory corruption occurs during the processing of specific HTML elements or JavaScript code sequences that exceed expected buffer boundaries. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer spanning over a decade of releases, indicating a fundamental flaw in the browser's memory management that persisted across different code bases and architectural iterations.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2014-4097 follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique for exploitation for execution, where attackers leverage memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain code execution privileges. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include denial of service scenarios where the browser crashes or becomes unresponsive due to corrupted memory states. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The memory corruption occurs during the parsing and rendering of web content, particularly when handling complex JavaScript objects or HTML elements that trigger heap-based buffer overflows. The attack vector typically involves visiting a malicious website that contains specially crafted HTML or JavaScript code designed to trigger the memory corruption in Internet Explorer's memory management functions. This vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of a use-after-free or buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations running legacy Internet Explorer installations, as it represents a persistent threat that affects both older and newer versions of the browser. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can exploit it without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may visit untrusted websites. Organizations with outdated Internet Explorer deployments face heightened risk of successful exploitation, especially in environments where patch management is delayed or incomplete. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of Internet Explorer indicates that it likely stems from fundamental architectural issues in how the browser handles memory allocation and deallocation, making it resistant to simple code fixes. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape, particularly when assessing risks associated with legacy browser support and the challenges of maintaining secure web browsing environments in enterprise settings.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4097 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, which address the underlying memory corruption issues through proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for outdated Internet Explorer installations and comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely remediation. The use of modern browsers with better security track records and more frequent updates provides an effective long-term solution to reduce exposure to this and similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted websites and maintaining updated browser software to minimize the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing browser isolation techniques and sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.