CVE-2015-1667 in Internet Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 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
This vulnerability affects Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 8 through 11 and represents a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory operations when processing specially crafted web content, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code into the browser's memory space. The issue manifests when Internet Explorer encounters malformed or maliciously constructed web pages that trigger buffer overflows or other memory management errors during rendering or script execution phases. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" as it leverages browser memory corruption to execute arbitrary code on target systems. The attack typically occurs when users visit compromised websites or click on malicious links that deliver the exploit payload through web-based vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way Internet Explorer manages memory during web page rendering processes. When the browser processes certain JavaScript or HTML elements, it fails to properly validate memory boundaries, allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code. This memory corruption can occur in various components including the browser's scripting engine, rendering engine, or memory management subsystems. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise. The memory corruption aspect makes this vulnerability particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional signature-based security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1667 extends beyond simple exploitation to encompass widespread security risks across enterprise environments where Internet Explorer remains in use. Organizations running older versions of Internet Explorer face significant exposure as these browsers continue to process web content without proper memory boundary checks. The vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installations that persist across system reboots. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises, particularly when evaluating legacy browser support requirements. The vulnerability's ability to cause denial of service makes it attractive for attackers seeking to disrupt business operations or disable critical systems through targeted attacks. Organizations using Internet Explorer in corporate environments face potential regulatory compliance issues if this vulnerability is exploited to access sensitive data or disrupt critical business functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1667 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the memory corruption flaw. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and restricting access to potentially malicious websites through network-level controls. Security professionals should consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems still running unsupported Internet Explorer versions that remain vulnerable to this and similar memory corruption attacks. The implementation of sandboxing technologies and browser isolation solutions can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive incident response procedures specifically tailored to address browser-based memory corruption vulnerabilities, ensuring rapid detection and containment of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue underscores the importance of regular system updates and patch management programs to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.