CVE-2015-0044 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and 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-2014-8967 and CVE-2015-0050.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 and 9 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations during web page rendering, specifically when processing certain JavaScript objects and DOM elements. Attackers can craft malicious websites that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions within the browser's memory management systems, leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw exists in the browser's JavaScript engine and object model handling, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read errors and CWE-787 as out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common vectors for memory corruption exploits. The attack surface is extensive as it affects all users of these outdated browser versions, particularly in enterprise environments where legacy systems may still be in use.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of memory management flaws within Internet Explorer's rendering engine, specifically targeting the way the browser handles JavaScript object lifecycles and memory allocation. When a malicious webpage is loaded, the browser's JavaScript engine processes crafted objects that cause memory corruption through improper bounds checking or invalid memory access patterns. This can result in the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or completely compromise the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered automatically through web pages without requiring user interaction, making it an ideal candidate for drive-by download attacks. Security researchers have identified that the flaw occurs in the browser's handling of complex object references and memory deallocation processes, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromise to affect entire enterprise networks, particularly in environments where older Internet Explorer versions are still deployed. Organizations running these vulnerable browsers face significant risk of targeted attacks, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors or exfiltrate confidential data. The memory corruption nature of the flaw means that even successful exploitation may not always result in immediate system crashes, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics from the MITRE ATT&CK framework including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070 for indicator removal on host, as attackers may use the compromised systems to execute additional malicious payloads or cover their tracks. The exploitation typically requires no specialized tools beyond standard web development resources, making it accessible to threat actors of varying skill levels and increasing the overall threat landscape impact.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate browser updates and security hardening measures. Microsoft released security patches for this vulnerability through regular update channels, and organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security updates. System administrators should implement browser lockdown policies and disable unnecessary browser features to reduce attack surface. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious web content. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, additional protective measures such as enhanced browser sandboxing, restricted internet access, and mandatory security awareness training should be implemented. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current browser versions and implementing robust patch management processes. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in their web applications and browser configurations. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts within network traffic.