CVE-2015-1657 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 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."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9 through 11 contained a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enabled remote code execution through malicious web content. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations during web page rendering, specifically affecting how the browser processes certain JavaScript objects and memory allocations. The flaw manifests when Internet Explorer encounters crafted web content that triggers unexpected memory behavior, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or system instability. This vulnerability represents a classic heap-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data corrupts memory layout, potentially allowing privilege escalation. The issue is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it more accurately describes heap corruption due to improper memory management during object allocation. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability affects all supported versions of Internet Explorer from version 9 through 11, making it particularly dangerous as these versions were widely deployed across enterprise environments and user systems. The attack vector requires a user to visit a malicious website, making social engineering a critical component of exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling execution through web-based attacks, and T1059 through the use of JavaScript as the primary attack payload. The memory corruption occurs during JavaScript engine processing, particularly when handling complex object interactions and memory deallocation sequences. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting web pages that trigger specific memory patterns, causing the browser to execute malicious code with the privileges of the logged-in user. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and data theft, as the vulnerability can be used to bypass security controls. Organizations running these affected versions face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through drive-by downloads or malicious advertisements without user interaction beyond visiting compromised sites. The exploitation mechanism typically involves creating malformed JavaScript objects that cause memory corruption during garbage collection or memory allocation phases. Security researchers identified that the vulnerability specifically affects how Internet Explorer handles memory management in its JavaScript engine, particularly when processing array objects and memory references. The flaw demonstrates a lack of proper bounds checking and memory validation during object lifecycle management, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary instructions. This vulnerability requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal access to target systems. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that included memory validation patches and improved JavaScript engine handling. The remediation involves updating to patched versions of Internet Explorer or migrating to supported browser alternatives, as these older versions are no longer receiving security updates. Organizations should implement network-based protections and browser hardening measures to mitigate exposure while applying patches. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in browser engines and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can lead to critical security consequences. This issue exemplifies the challenges in securing complex software systems where memory corruption vulnerabilities can provide attackers with extensive control over system operations and user data. The exploitation timeline for this vulnerability spans multiple years, indicating the persistent nature of memory-related security flaws in browser implementations. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader memory corruption attack patterns and implement comprehensive defensive measures including browser sandboxing, privilege separation, and regular security assessments. The vulnerability's impact on enterprise security underscores the need for proactive vulnerability management and timely patch deployment strategies to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.