CVE-2015-1706 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-2015-1658, CVE-2015-1711, CVE-2015-1717, and CVE-2015-1718.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2022
This vulnerability affects Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and represents a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service attacks through malicious web content. The issue stems from improper handling of memory operations within the browser's rendering engine, specifically in how it processes certain web page elements and JavaScript objects. Attackers can craft specially designed web pages that trigger memory corruption when the browser attempts to render or execute specific content, leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system or complete browser crash. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through standard web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption patterns that can be leveraged to gain control over the browser process. When Internet Explorer 11 encounters malformed or malicious content, the browser's memory management system fails to properly validate input data, resulting in buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions. These memory corruption issues can be exploited through various attack vectors including JavaScript execution, ActiveXObject manipulation, or improper handling of DOM objects. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with common software vulnerabilities such as those classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), where the browser fails to properly validate memory boundaries during object manipulation. The attack surface is broad as it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities including visiting compromised websites, clicking on malicious links, or viewing content in email clients that render HTML content.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Internet Explorer 11 remains in use. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. Organizations running older versions of Windows with Internet Explorer 11 are particularly vulnerable as they may not have received the necessary security updates. The vulnerability can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including drive-by downloads, malicious advertisements, and spear-phishing campaigns. The impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures, especially in environments where users have administrative privileges or access to sensitive corporate data. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to initial access through web-based attacks and privilege escalation through browser exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the memory corruption issues. Organizations should implement browser hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary browser features, implementing content security policies, and using enhanced security configurations for Internet Explorer. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious web traffic targeting this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Internet Explorer 11. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and maintaining up-to-date security software. System administrators should consider implementing browser isolation techniques and monitoring for unusual memory consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and the risks associated with legacy browser support in enterprise environments.