CVE-2015-1666 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 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," a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-1652.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1666 represents a critical memory corruption flaw in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, exposing users to significant security risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes during web page rendering, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the software through carefully crafted web content. The flaw operates at a fundamental level within the browser's memory management system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution or system-wide denial of service conditions. Security researchers have classified this issue as a remote code execution vulnerability due to its ability to be triggered through web-based attacks without requiring local system access.
The technical implementation of this memory corruption vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures during the processing of web content. When Internet Explorer encounters malformed or maliciously constructed web pages, the browser's memory management functions fail to properly validate or sanitize memory operations, leading to buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption scenarios. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the browser attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed or when it writes data beyond allocated memory boundaries. The flaw is particularly insidious because it can be triggered through normal web browsing activities, making it extremely difficult for users to protect themselves without proper security updates. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common manifestations of memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1666 extends beyond simple system crashes or application instability, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. This means that an attacker could potentially gain full control of a victim's machine, install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access through the compromised browser. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires the user to visit a malicious website or open a specially crafted document, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download attacks. Organizations running affected Internet Explorer versions face significant risk exposure, especially in environments where users have elevated privileges or access to sensitive corporate data. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of Internet Explorer from version 6 through 11 creates a broad attack surface that security teams must address through comprehensive patch management programs. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can leverage the compromised browser to execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1666 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Microsoft, as the vendor released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability through the Microsoft Security Response Center. Organizations should implement comprehensive browser security policies that include disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing security zones, and deploying enhanced browser isolation techniques. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls to detect and block malicious web content before it reaches vulnerable systems. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that all systems remain protected against this and similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and maintaining up-to-date security software to reduce the risk of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated browser-based attacks that can compromise entire network infrastructures.