CVE-2015-0035 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 and 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-2015-0027, CVE-2015-0039, CVE-2015-0052, and CVE-2015-0068.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 10 and 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures during web page rendering processes, specifically affecting how the browser manages object references and memory allocation when processing crafted HTML elements. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious web pages that trigger specific memory corruption conditions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the browser level, allowing attackers to bypass standard security controls and directly compromise system integrity. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires user interaction through visiting a malicious website, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns and drive-by download scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of JavaScript objects and memory pointers within Internet Explorer's rendering engine. When the browser encounters specially crafted web content, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object manipulation, leading to heap corruption. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations, including function pointers or return addresses, enabling attackers to redirect execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can gain elevated system privileges. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain code execution, and T1059, which covers the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it particularly effective in automated attack scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates significant risks for enterprise environments where Internet Explorer remains in use, particularly in legacy systems or organizations with delayed patch management processes. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed browser versions means that large attack surfaces exist across multiple organizations, with potential for mass exploitation. System administrators face challenges in identifying affected systems and implementing timely patches, as the vulnerability affects browsers that are integral to business operations. The memory corruption nature makes detection difficult through traditional network monitoring approaches, as the exploitation may not generate obvious network signatures. Organizations must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability on their security posture, including potential data breaches and compliance violations that may result from successful exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory handling flaws in Internet Explorer's rendering engine. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious web content. Browser hardening measures including disabling unnecessary JavaScript features, implementing strict security zones, and configuring enhanced protection modes can reduce exploitation success rates. Security teams should establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous browser behavior and memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should focus on identifying systems running unsupported Internet Explorer versions that remain vulnerable to this and related memory corruption flaws. The implementation of multi-layered security controls including endpoint protection, network segmentation, and user education programs can help reduce the overall risk exposure associated with this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider migrating away from legacy browser versions to more secure modern alternatives that receive regular security updates and have better threat protection mechanisms in place.