CVE-2015-1665 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-2015-1659 and CVE-2015-1662.
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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 or denial of service attacks through malicious web content. The issue stems from improper handling of memory structures during web page rendering processes, creating opportunities for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability specifically affects Internet Explorer 11 running on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows 10. The flaw manifests when the browser encounters crafted web content that triggers memory corruption during JavaScript execution or object manipulation within the browser's memory space. This vulnerability is distinct from related issues CVE-2015-1659 and CVE-2015-1662, indicating separate attack vectors and exploitation methods within the same software family.
The technical implementation of this memory corruption vulnerability involves the manipulation of heap memory structures within Internet Explorer's JavaScript engine or rendering components. Attackers can craft malicious web pages that exploit memory management flaws, potentially leading to buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption patterns. The exploitation typically requires the user to visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted file that triggers the vulnerable code path. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" categories, representing common memory safety issues in software applications. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1059: "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers leverage the corrupted memory to execute malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1665 extends beyond simple denial of service to include full system compromise when exploited successfully. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, execute arbitrary commands, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack surface is broad as it affects all supported Windows versions with Internet Explorer 11 installed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently browse the web. Organizations with outdated systems or those unable to patch immediately face significant risk exposure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, typically through social engineering to convince victims to visit malicious sites, but once triggered, it can provide attackers with complete control over the affected system. This vulnerability represents a classic example of a zero-day exploit that can be weaponized for advanced persistent threats, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity professionals. The memory corruption nature means that exploitation can occur without requiring extensive privileges, as the browser process typically runs with user-level permissions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the memory corruption issues through proper memory management and input validation controls. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates. Browser isolation techniques and enhanced security configurations can provide additional protection layers. Network segmentation and web filtering solutions can help reduce exposure by blocking access to known malicious domains. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual browser behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated attacks. Regular security assessments and user awareness training are essential components of a comprehensive security posture against such memory corruption vulnerabilities.