CVE-2015-0040 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 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-2015-0018, CVE-2015-0037, and CVE-2015-0066.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service when users visit malicious websites. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory structures during web page rendering and processing, creating a pathway for exploitation that differs from other contemporaneous vulnerabilities such as CVE-2015-0018, CVE-2015-0037, and CVE-2015-0066. The flaw resides in the browser's memory management systems where improper validation of user-supplied data leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to gain control over the affected system. This vulnerability represents a classic heap-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when Internet Explorer processes specially crafted web content, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers and execute malicious code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The technical implementation involves the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering components failing to properly validate memory boundaries when handling complex web elements, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious payloads through web-based attacks. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include complete system compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within compromised networks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and script injection, as well as T1070 for indicator removal on host. The exploitation typically occurs through drive-by download scenarios where users visit compromised websites or click on malicious links, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content. Organizations running Internet Explorer 11 are at significant risk from this vulnerability, as it requires minimal user interaction to exploit and can be delivered through various attack vectors including email attachments, compromised websites, and social engineering campaigns. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability means that attackers can manipulate the browser's memory layout to redirect execution flow, potentially bypassing modern security mitigations such as DEP and ASLR. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, implementation of browser hardening measures, network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and user education to avoid visiting untrusted websites. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in browser security and the importance of maintaining up-to-date defenses against sophisticated attack techniques that target the most widely used software components in enterprise environments.