CVE-2015-1626 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-2015-1623.
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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 when users visit malicious websites. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory structures during web page rendering and script execution processes. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer encounters specially crafted web content that triggers improper memory management operations, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2015-0056 and CVE-2015-1623, this particular issue represents a distinct memory corruption vector that exploits different code paths within the browser's architecture. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory boundary checking mechanisms within Internet Explorer's JavaScript engine and rendering components, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layouts and execute malicious payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully constructed web pages that leverage memory corruption techniques to gain control over the browser's execution flow. Attackers can craft HTML content containing malformed JavaScript or embedded ActiveX controls that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions in Internet Explorer's memory management subsystem. These conditions allow malicious code to be injected into the browser process memory space, potentially executing with the privileges of the logged-in user. The memory corruption typically happens during object allocation, deallocation, or access operations within the browser's rendering engine, where insufficient bounds checking permits unauthorized memory modifications. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios and system compromise, particularly when users visit malicious websites through Internet Explorer's default browser settings. This flaw represents a classic example of a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that aligns with CWE-121 and CWE-125 categories, where insufficient memory bounds checking leads to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Internet Explorer 11, as it enables sophisticated attack campaigns that can compromise user systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting malicious websites. The vulnerability affects all versions of Internet Explorer 11 running on supported Windows operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where legacy browser support is maintained. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various delivery mechanisms including drive-by downloads, compromised websites, and social engineering campaigns that direct users to malicious content. The memory corruption can result in browser crashes, system instability, and complete system compromise depending on the execution context and available privileges. Organizations may experience data breaches, system downtime, and increased security management overhead as a result of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it particularly challenging to defend against in traditional network security models.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including deploying Microsoft security updates and patches that address the specific memory corruption flaw in Internet Explorer 11. Browser isolation techniques and enhanced security configurations can help reduce exploitation risks, though these measures may impact user experience and application functionality. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Users should be educated about the dangers of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping browsers updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include browser hardening, network segmentation, and user behavior monitoring. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and monitoring solutions that can detect potential exploitation attempts and alert administrators to suspicious activities. The incident highlights the critical need for organizations to maintain comprehensive patch management programs and to regularly assess their browser security posture against known vulnerabilities.