CVE-2014-4108 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-2014-4106, CVE-2014-4107, 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, categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation during web page rendering processes, specifically when processing malformed or crafted HTML elements and JavaScript code. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web content that triggers memory corruption when the browser attempts to parse and render the crafted elements, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the browser's rendering engine encountering specially crafted web content that causes heap memory corruption through improper memory management operations. When Internet Explorer processes the malicious payload, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object allocation and deallocation, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the user's session. This flaw operates at the kernel level memory management functions, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass many standard security controls and user permission restrictions.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4108 extends beyond simple remote code execution to include comprehensive system compromise capabilities. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails containing malicious links, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads that automatically trigger the exploit when users visit infected web pages. The memory corruption nature means that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1070 for indicator removal on host, as attackers often use such exploits to maintain persistence and cover their tracks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application from Microsoft as the primary defense mechanism, since the flaw exists in the core browser rendering engine and cannot be effectively addressed through client-side configuration changes. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains and content. Additionally, browser hardening techniques such as disabling ActiveX controls, implementing strict security zones, and using sandboxing technologies can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also deploy intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts and monitor for unusual memory access patterns or abnormal browser behavior that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not break existing business applications while maintaining adequate protection against this specific memory corruption threat.