CVE-2014-4106 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-2014-4097, CVE-2014-4100, CVE-2014-4103, CVE-2014-4104, CVE-2014-4105, 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 in Microsoft Internet Explorer spanning versions 6 through 11, classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web content, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate memory structures through malformed HTML or JavaScript elements. The vulnerability specifically exploits how IE handles memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering, particularly affecting objects within the browser's memory space that are not properly validated or sanitized. This type of memory corruption vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to execute malicious code remotely without user interaction, making it a prime target for zero-day exploitation campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulation of memory pointers and object references within IE's rendering engine, specifically targeting the way the browser handles dynamic memory allocation for web content. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that trigger buffer overflows or use after free conditions, where memory previously allocated to objects is accessed after being freed, leading to unpredictable behavior. These conditions can be exploited through various attack vectors including embedded scripts, malformed ActiveX controls, or specially constructed HTML elements that cause IE to improperly manage memory resources. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that simply visiting a compromised website can result in system compromise, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using legacy Internet Explorer versions, as it allows attackers to gain complete system control without requiring user interaction or specific privileges. The memory corruption can result in both arbitrary code execution and denial of service conditions, making it a versatile attack vector that can be used for data exfiltration, system takeover, or service disruption. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Internet Explorer in enterprise environments, particularly in legacy systems where upgrading to newer browser versions may not be feasible. Organizations with outdated IE installations face heightened risk of targeted attacks, as this vulnerability can be combined with other exploits to create sophisticated attack chains that bypass traditional security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through Microsoft security updates, as well as implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and browser isolation techniques. Organizations should consider implementing browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing strict content security policies, and deploying exploit prevention tools that monitor for suspicious memory access patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 as Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for layered defenses that include endpoint detection and response systems capable of identifying memory manipulation patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running unsupported IE versions and prioritize their remediation, while implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.