CVE-2015-1623 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-2015-0056 and CVE-2015-1626.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions through maliciously crafted web content. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory operations during web page rendering and script execution processes. The flaw arises from improper validation of memory access patterns when processing certain web elements, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially gain unauthorized system access. Unlike related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2015-0056 and CVE-2015-1626, this particular weakness demonstrates distinct characteristics in its exploitation methodology and memory manipulation techniques. The vulnerability exists within the browser's JavaScript engine and rendering components, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal web browsing activities without requiring special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical implementation of this memory corruption flaw involves improper handling of object references and memory allocation during web page processing. Attackers can craft specific web content that, when rendered by Internet Explorer 11, causes the browser to improperly manage memory regions, leading to buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. These memory corruption scenarios occur when the browser attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed or when it writes beyond allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through standard web browsing without requiring any additional malicious software installation. The attack vector typically involves visiting a compromised website that serves malicious JavaScript or HTML content designed to trigger the memory corruption state. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common categories for memory corruption vulnerabilities in web browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. When successfully exploited, the memory corruption can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Internet Explorer, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects all versions of Internet Explorer 11 that were released prior to the security patch, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on this browser for web browsing operations. Organizations may experience significant security risks including data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur without user awareness, as the malicious content can be delivered through compromised websites, phishing campaigns, or malicious advertisements. This makes the attack surface particularly broad and difficult to defend against through traditional user education approaches alone.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft's security patches and updates, which address the underlying memory management flaws in Internet Explorer 11. Organizations should implement browser hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using enhanced security configurations. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block exploitation attempts. Users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping their browsers updated. Additionally, organizations may consider implementing browser isolation techniques or using alternative browsers with more robust security track records. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through web-based attacks and privilege escalation, requiring comprehensive security measures across multiple defensive layers to effectively protect against exploitation attempts.