CVE-2015-1659 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-2015-1662 and CVE-2015-1665.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations during web page rendering, specifically when processing certain JavaScript objects and DOM elements. Attackers can craft specially designed web pages that trigger memory corruption conditions when viewed in IE11, leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the browser context without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime target for drive-by download attacks and social engineering campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory management issues that occur when IE11 processes complex JavaScript objects and their associated memory structures. When the browser encounters malformed or specially crafted JavaScript code, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object manipulation, resulting in buffer overflows or heap corruption. This memory corruption allows attackers to overwrite critical memory locations and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the browser process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, though it manifests as a memory corruption issue that can be exploited for code execution. The attack surface is extensive since it affects all versions of IE11 running on supported Windows operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where IE11 remains widely deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to include potential system compromise and persistent threats. Once exploited, attackers can establish footholds within target networks, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally to access sensitive data or critical infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification within the ATT&CK framework places it under the T1059 technique category for command and control, as attackers can use the compromised browser to establish persistent communication channels. Organizations face significant risk from this vulnerability as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised legitimate websites that are leveraged for watering hole attacks. The memory corruption nature of the flaw also makes it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring, as the malicious activity may appear as normal browser behavior until the exploit is triggered.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including applying Microsoft security patches and implementing browser hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment through Windows Update or Microsoft's Security Response team to address the underlying memory management issues. Browser isolation techniques such as running IE11 in restricted environments or using alternative browsers like Chrome or Firefox can reduce exposure risk. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block malicious web content before it reaches users. Additionally, implementing security awareness training to prevent users from visiting suspicious websites and disabling unnecessary browser features can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the risks associated with legacy browser support in enterprise environments where older technologies remain in use.