CVE-2015-0071 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11 allows remote attackers to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via a crafted web site, aka "Internet Explorer ASLR Bypass Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The CVE-2015-0071 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 that specifically targets the Address Space Layout Randomization protection mechanism. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption and exploit mitigation bypass issues, with direct implications for application security and system integrity. The flaw enables remote attackers to circumvent one of the primary defense mechanisms designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities by making it easier to predict memory layout and execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how Internet Explorer handles memory management and process address space organization during web page rendering and script execution. When a malicious website is loaded, the vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the memory layout in a way that defeats ASLR protections, which normally randomize the locations of system components and libraries to prevent successful exploitation. This bypass occurs through specific memory access patterns and manipulation of the browser's memory management routines that were not adequately protected against such attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it significantly reduces the security posture of affected systems by removing a crucial layer of defense. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Internet Explorer process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple versions of Internet Explorer, creating a wide attack surface that spans several years of browser releases. This makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit systems that have not been updated to newer versions of the browser or operating system components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0071 include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific ASLR bypass mechanism. Organizations should implement additional security controls such as enhanced browser hardening configurations, restricted browsing environments, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and CWE-119 which addresses improper restriction of operations within a recognized security boundary. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should prioritize this issue due to its high severity and the availability of vendor-provided remediation solutions.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond the immediate exploitation scenario to highlight the importance of robust exploit mitigation techniques in modern browsers. It demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in memory management can have cascading effects on overall system security, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities in the exploitation chain. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a comprehensive approach to defending against advanced persistent threats that rely on exploitation of memory corruption and mitigation bypass techniques.