CVE-2015-0045 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 through 8 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-2015-0053.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 8 suffered from a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability specifically affected the browser's handling of memory management during web page rendering processes, creating exploitable conditions that could be leveraged by threat actors. The flaw manifested when Internet Explorer processed certain malformed or specially constructed web elements, leading to improper memory allocation and potential code execution in the context of the current user. This vulnerability represented a significant security risk due to Internet Explorer's widespread adoption and the ease with which attackers could craft malicious websites to exploit it. The memory corruption occurred during the browser's JavaScript engine processing, where improper bounds checking or memory deallocation routines allowed attackers to manipulate heap memory structures. This vulnerability was distinct from CVE-2015-0053, indicating separate code paths or memory handling mechanisms that could be exploited. The attack vector required users to visit compromised websites, making social engineering and phishing campaigns particularly effective in exploiting this weakness. Organizations running these older browser versions faced heightened risk due to the lack of modern security features and the extended support lifecycle that left many systems vulnerable to known exploits. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-129, which covers insufficient validation of array indices. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation, as attackers could execute code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, covering Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could leverage the initial compromise to establish persistent access and execute additional malicious payloads. The memory corruption nature of this vulnerability meant that even denial of service attacks could potentially be escalated to full system compromise, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users might inadvertently visit malicious sites. Microsoft's security response included releasing patches for the affected versions, though many organizations running legacy systems delayed updates, leaving their environments vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability highlighted the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of browser-based exploits. Organizations should have implemented browser isolation techniques and web application firewalls to protect against such attacks, while also ensuring that legacy systems were properly secured or decommissioned. The widespread use of these older Internet Explorer versions made this vulnerability particularly impactful, as it affected not just individual users but entire enterprise networks that had not migrated to newer browser technologies. This vulnerability demonstrated the critical need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both current and legacy systems, as older software versions often contain multiple unpatched security flaws that can be exploited by threat actors. The technical complexity of memory corruption vulnerabilities like CVE-2015-0045 required specialized expertise to develop effective mitigations and detection mechanisms, further emphasizing the importance of security professional training and awareness. Organizations that failed to address this vulnerability risked significant financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage due to potential data breaches and system compromises.