CVE-2014-6342 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 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-2014-6348.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in the browser's handling of memory management during web page rendering processes. The issue specifically affects Internet Explorer 9 versions and stems from improper memory handling when processing certain web elements, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit memory corruption patterns that can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests when Internet Explorer 9 encounters specially crafted web content that triggers memory corruption during the browser's rendering engine operations. This vulnerability operates through memory corruption mechanisms that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. The flaw does not require user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through drive-by downloads or compromised websites. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Internet Explorer 9 for web browsing activities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or complete network infiltration. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in denial of service conditions that disrupt legitimate business operations while simultaneously providing a pathway for persistent threats to establish footholds within target environments. Organizations with outdated Internet Explorer installations face particular risk as this vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in real-world attacks, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit legacy systems.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple web browsing scenarios, as it can be triggered through various web content delivery mechanisms including email attachments, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through multiple vectors. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreters. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including browser updates, network-based protections, and user education to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing comprehensive patch management programs to protect against known exploits in legacy software environments.