CVE-2014-4101 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 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-2014-4087, CVE-2014-4095, and CVE-2014-4096.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or induce denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory operations during web page rendering and processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the software's memory management mechanisms. The flaw represents a distinct security issue from other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2014-4087, CVE-2014-4095, and CVE-2014-4096, indicating that multiple memory corruption vectors exist within the browser's codebase. The vulnerability stems from improper memory handling when processing certain web elements, potentially leading to buffer overflows, heap corruption, or other memory-related anomalies that can be leveraged by attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The attack surface for this vulnerability extends across all web content rendered by Internet Explorer 11, making it particularly dangerous as users may encounter malicious content through various online activities including browsing, email attachments, or web-based applications. The memory corruption occurs during the browser's processing of crafted web pages, where malicious input can trigger improper memory allocation or deallocation sequences that lead to exploitable conditions. This vulnerability directly impacts the browser's security model by potentially allowing attackers to bypass security boundaries and execute code with the privileges of the user running the browser. The operational impact includes both remote code execution capabilities that can lead to full system compromise and denial of service scenarios that can disrupt normal user operations. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised web applications that deliver the malicious content to unsuspecting users. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as simply visiting a malicious website can trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where Internet Explorer 11 remains in use, as it represents a significant risk to enterprise security infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework indicates potential use of techniques such as exploitation for client execution and privilege escalation. Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability through security updates and patches, but organizations must ensure timely deployment of these fixes to protect against active exploitation attempts. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns where adversaries target memory management functions to gain control over system execution flow, making it a critical concern for security professionals monitoring browser-based threats. This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in securing complex software applications like web browsers, where memory safety issues can create persistent security risks that require continuous monitoring and remediation efforts. The specific nature of the memory corruption in Internet Explorer 11 highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications handling untrusted data from web sources. Organizations should implement layered security approaches including browser hardening, network monitoring, and user education to mitigate the risks associated with this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's existence also underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate such issues before they can be exploited in the wild. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability when planning their incident response strategies, as it represents a potential entry point for sophisticated attack campaigns targeting enterprise environments. The technical details of this memory corruption vulnerability emphasize the critical need for robust software security practices and continuous vigilance in protecting against evolving threat landscapes.