CVE-2014-6366 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and 7 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6366 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7. This vulnerability resides within the browser's handling of specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory management during rendering processes. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes, making it particularly dangerous for users running legacy browser versions. The vulnerability operates through the browser's JavaScript engine and HTML parsing mechanisms, where malformed content can cause buffer overflows or heap corruption that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized system access.
This memory corruption vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, involving the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities for code execution. The technical implementation involves the browser's failure to properly validate input parameters when processing complex web page structures, particularly those involving dynamic content generation and object manipulation. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that, when loaded in affected browsers, cause the memory management subsystem to corrupt critical data structures, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects users of outdated browser versions that are no longer supported by Microsoft. Organizations with legacy systems running IE6 or IE7 face significant risk exposure since these browsers lack modern security mitigations and regular updates. The vulnerability can be leveraged through various attack vectors including malicious websites, phishing campaigns, or compromised web applications that serve the crafted payloads. Users who visit infected sites may experience immediate system instability or complete system compromise without any visible user interaction beyond normal browsing activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6366 primarily focus on immediate browser upgrades to supported versions or implementation of additional security controls. Organizations should prioritize the migration away from IE6 and IE7 to modern browser versions that include memory safety features such as address space layout randomization, data execution prevention, and exploit protection mechanisms. Network-based mitigations including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide temporary protection while legacy systems remain in use. Security patches and updates should be applied immediately when available, though the affected versions are no longer receiving official updates from Microsoft. Additionally, user education regarding safe browsing practices and the avoidance of untrusted websites remains crucial in reducing exploitation risk.